Pharmacological management of cancer pain

Marcos L. Montagnini, MD, FACP; Carolyn R. Zaleon, PharmD

doi:10.5055/jom.2009.0010

Authors

Marcos L. Montagnini, MD, FACP
Carolyn R. Zaleon, PharmD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2009.0010

Keywords:

opioids, cancer, pain

Abstract

Pain is one of the most common symptoms experienced by cancer patients during the course of their illness. It can negatively impact patients’ quality of life, functional status, and progress during rehabilitation. Despite the widespread availability of analgesic therapies, cancer pain remains undertreated. Developing knowledge and skills on cancer pain management is of extreme importance for healthcare providers dealing with cancer patients. The goal of this article is to review the principles of pharmacological therapy of cancer pain, to describe the basic pathophysiological mechanisms and etiologies of cancer pain, and to highlight the elements of a thorough pain assessment.

Author Biographies

Marcos L. Montagnini, MD, FACP

Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Carolyn R. Zaleon, PharmD

Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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