| Theme |
Pain Management in Gastrointestinal Cancer |
| Title |
Management of Gastroenteral Cancer Pain with Fentanyl and Oxycodone |
| Author |
Yoshiko Kato |
Department of Anesthesia, Yamagata University Hospital |
| Author |
Mayumi Yamakawa |
Department of Anesthesia, Yamagata University Hospital |
| Author |
Ikuko Nasu |
Department of Anesthesia, Yamagata University Hospital |
| Author |
Kazue Iizawa |
Department of Anesthesia, Yamagata University Hospital |
| Author |
Akira Kato |
Department of Anesthesia, Okitama Public General Hospital |
| [ Summary ] |
Morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone are strong opioid analgesics listed in the WHO's “cancer pain relief methods” guidelines and are equally effective in the treatment of gastroenteral cancer pain. Experiences with treatment for terminal gastroenteral cancer pain patients suggested that pain was an early sign of diseases. In the terminal stages, parenteral regimens were the main modes of treatment, due to bowel obstructions. An essential part of treatment strategies is to guide patients in the proper use of these analgesic drugs. Taking pain medications at their own discretion helps to keep patients in a pain free state at all times. With initiation of the use of fentanyl-patch and sustained release oxycodone into the line of treatment for cancer pain, we have obtained useful treatment options. The selection of proper drugs and proper administration modes are important issues in performing “opioid-rotation” and preserving proper “rescue” regimens. |