Pharmacologic management of cancer pain

Abstract

The ideal goal of cancer pain management is the combination of comfort and function. For the vast majority of cancer pain patients, this balance can be achieved with individually titrated opioid analgesics and specifically prescribed coanalgesics. Integration of pain blocking procedures and cognitive behavioral therapies can further enhance the quality of life of selected patients. Comprehensive cancer pain management should be offered in concert with anticancer therapy and shares many of its constructs: prevention, early detection, specific therapy, combination chemotherapy, dose intensity, combined modalities, and psychosocial support. Unlike the control of cancer, the tools to effectively control cancer pain are readily available. Their use takes time, skill, and commitment and should be the very least that is provided to all cancer patients and their families.