[Opiates and opioids in the treatment of tumor-related pain]

Abstract

Although opiates have been used by mankind for millenia and were undoubtedly during a long time among the most active drugs available, many unsettled questions have remained about their optimal use. In recent years new knowledge about active metabolites has been accumulated. An overview of the effects and side effects of morphine and various other opioids and their applications in the treatment of tumor pain is presented.