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Review
. 2024 Sep;25(9):1193-1202.
doi: 10.1007/s11864-024-01248-7. Epub 2024 Aug 5.

Neuropathic Pain in Cancer: What Are the Current Guidelines?

Matthew R Mulvey  1 , Carole A Paley  2 , Anna Schuberth  2 , Natalie King  2 , Andy Page  3 , Karen Neoh  3
Affiliations
Review

Neuropathic Pain in Cancer: What Are the Current Guidelines?

Matthew R Mulvey et al. Curr Treat Options Oncol. 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Neuropathic cancer pain is experienced by 30-40% of patients with cancer. It significantly reduces quality of life and overall wellbeing for patients living with and beyond cancer. The underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain in patients with cancer are complex and involve direct tumour involvement, nerve compression or infiltration, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy-induced nerve damage, or post-surgical complications. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to assess and manage neuropathic cancer pain effectively. There is increasing recognition that standardisation of neuropathic pain assessment leads to tailored management and improved patient outcomes. Pain management strategies, including medication, interventional analgesia, physical and complementary therapy, can help alleviate neuropathic pain and improve the patient's comfort and quality of life.

Keywords: Chronic pain; Guidelines; Management; Neuropathic cancer pain; Treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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