Role of interventional radiology in pain management in oncology patients

This article reviews the current evidence of interventional radiology procedures for patients suffering with debilitating cancer pain, refractory to conventional therapies. Cancer pain is notoriously difficult to treat. Up to 90% of cancer patients experience pain with 56-82% of cancer pain controlled inadequately. Cancer pain influences a patient's ability to perform normal daily activities, causes higher risk of depression, and reduces quality of life. Pain-free status has been universally voted as a "good death". Alternative minimally invasive options include nerve blocks, neurolysis, bone ablation, spine and peripheral musculoskeletal augmentation techniques, embolisation, and cordotomy with evidence highlighting improved pain control, reduced analgesic requirements, and improved quality of life. Unfortunately, awareness and availability of these procedures is limited, potentially leaving patients suffering during their remaining life. The purpose of this review is to describe the basic concepts of interventional radiology techniques for pain palliation in oncology patients. In addition, emphasis will be given upon the need for an individually tailored approach aiming to augment efficacy and safety.

Continuous Erector Spinae Plane Block for Refractory Chest Wall Pain in a Patient With Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Case Report

In this case report, we described the use of the continuous erector spinae plane (ESP) block in a patient presenting with severe chest wall pain due to terminal metastatic breast cancer. Her pain was refractory to most treatment modalities despite being on huge doses of parenteral opioids for 6 months. A single shot ESP block was initially trialed, which provided her complete pain relief. This was followed by an ESP catheter insertion and continuous infusion of local anesthetic, which helped her wean off the parenteral opioids over the next 4 days. She was discharged home with the catheter in situ, attached to a delivery pump.