Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients: An overview of its pharmacological and clinical characteristics

Kyriaki Mystakidou, MD, PhD; Emmanuela Katsouda, MD; Efi Parpa, BA, MA; Marinos L. Tsiatas, MD, PhD; Lambros Vlahos, MD, PhD

doi:10.5055/jom.2005.0010

Authors

Kyriaki Mystakidou, MD, PhD
Emmanuela Katsouda, MD
Efi Parpa, BA, MA
Marinos L. Tsiatas, MD, PhD
Lambros Vlahos, MD, PhD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2005.0010

Keywords:

oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate, break-through pain, cancer

Abstract

Breakthrough pain is a transitory flare of pain occurring in most cancer patients against a background of otherwise controlled persistent pain. Treatment of breakthrough pain is a challenging phenomenon. Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC; brand name Actiqm, Cephalon Inc., West Chester, PA), a new opioid formulation with a unique delivery system, reflects the characteristics of breakthrough pain (rapid onset of action and short duration), making it an effective treatment for cancer patients who already receive opioids and experience flares of pain. This review article aims to present the role of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate in the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients. In particular, it is going to discuss the synthesis, clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, toxicity, and clinical efficacy of this novel agent.

Author Biographies

Kyriaki Mystakidou, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor in Palliative Medicine, Pain Relief & Palliative Care Unit, Department of Radiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Emmanuela Katsouda, MD

Pneumonologist, Pain Relief & Palliative Care Unit, Department of Radiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Efi Parpa, BA, MA

Psychologist, Pain Relief & Palliative Care Unit, Department of Radiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Marinos L. Tsiatas, MD, PhD

Department of Clinical Therapeutics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Lambros Vlahos, MD, PhD

Professor in Radiology, Pain Relief & Palliative Care Unit, Department of Radiology, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

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