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Jones KF, Liou KT, Ashare RL, Worster B, Yeager KA, Merlin J, Meghani SH. How Racialized Approaches to Opioid Use Disorder and Opioid Misuse Management Hamper Pharmacoequity for Cancer Pain. J Clin Oncol 2024:JCO2400705. [PMID: 39288335 DOI: 10.1200/jco.24.00705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
@JCO_ASCO paper focuses on racialized approaches to OUD and opioid misuse as underappreciated drivers of disparities in cancer and recs a path forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, New England Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Boston Healthcare System Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kevin T Liou
- Department of Medicine, Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center New York, NY
| | - Rebecca L Ashare
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
| | - Brooke Worster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Jessica Merlin
- Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics, Division of General Internal Medicine, CHAllenges in Managing and Preventing Pain Clinical Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Salimah H Meghani
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
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Skarf LM, Jones KF, Meyerson JL, Abrahm JL. Pharmacologic Pain Management: What Radiation Oncologists Should Know. Semin Radiat Oncol 2023; 33:93-103. [PMID: 36990640 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with cancer experience a host of symptoms, especially when the malignancy is advanced. Pain occurs from the cancer itself or related treatments. Undertreated pain contributes to patient suffering and lack of engagement in cancer-directed therapies. Adequate pain management includes thorough assessment; treatment by radiotherapists or anesthesia pain specialists; anti-inflammatory medications, oral or intravenous opioid analgesics, and topical agents; and attention to the emotional and functional effects of pain, which may involve social workers, psychologists, speech therapists, nutritionists, physiatrists and palliative medicine providers. This review discusses typical pain syndromes arising in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and provides concrete recommendations for pain assessment and pharmacologic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Michal Skarf
- Section of Palliative Care, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
| | - Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- Boston College William F. Connell School of Nursing and VA Boston Health Care System, Boston, MA
| | - Jordana L Meyerson
- Section of Palliative Care, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Janet L Abrahm
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Division of Adult Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Yu Z, Jin S, Tian S, Wang Z. Morphine stimulates cervical cancer cells and alleviates cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs via opioid receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e01016. [PMID: 36200813 PMCID: PMC9536182 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine is frequently applied in cancer patients for pain management. However, its effects on cancer are not well understood but observed to be specific to certain cancer types. We previously revealed the stimulatory properties of morphine in esophageal carcinoma. This work addressed the effects of morphine and its underlying mechanisms in cervical cancer. Proliferation, apoptosis, and migration assays were performed to examine the effects of morphine alone and its combinatory effects with chemotherapeutic drugs. Immunoblotting and biochemical analysis were performed to determine the underlying mechanisms of morphine's action. Morphine promoted proliferation in opioid receptor-dependent manner and stimulated migration in opioid receptor-independent manner. However, morphine did not affect cervical cancer cell survival. Morphine also interfered with all tested chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., cisplatin, 5-FU, and paclitaxel) and alleviates their efficacy. Mechanistically, morphine-stimulated growth via activating EGFR-mediated signaling pathways and is opioid-receptor-dependent; morphine-stimulated migration via activating RhoA-mediated signaling pathways and this is opioid receptor-independent. Our work suggests a strong correlation of this opioid receptor on growth factor signaling to stimulate growth and opioid receptor-independent activation of RhoA and consequent migration. Our findings have the potential to guide the clinical use of morphine for patients with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwen Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and ScienceXiangyangHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Sheng Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and ScienceXiangyangHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Shiming Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and ScienceXiangyangHubei ProvinceChina
| | - Zhibao Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and ScienceXiangyangHubei ProvinceChina
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Check DK, Avecilla RAV, Mills C, Dinan MA, Kamal AH, Murphy B, Rezk S, Winn A, Oeffinger KC. Opioid Prescribing and Use Among Cancer Survivors: A Mapping Review of Observational and Intervention Studies. J Pain Symptom Manage 2022; 63:e397-e417. [PMID: 34748896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2021.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Recent years show a sharp increase in research on opioid use among cancer survivors, but evidence syntheses are lacking, leaving knowledge gaps. Corresponding research needs are unclear. OBJECTIVES To provide an evidence synthesis. METHODS We searched PubMed and Embase, identifying articles related to cancer, and opioid prescribing/use published through September 2020. We screened resulting titles/abstracts. Relevant studies underwent full-text review. Inclusion criteria were quantitative examination of and primary focus on opioid prescribing or use, and explicit inclusion of cancer survivors. Exclusion criteria included end-of-life opioid use and opioid use as a secondary or downstream outcome (for intervention studies). We extracted information on the opioid-related outcome(s) examined (including definitions and terminology used), study design, and methods. RESULTS Research returned 16,591 articles; 296 were included. Only 22 of 296 studies evaluated an intervention. There were 105 studies evaluating outcomes indicative of potentially high-risk, nonrecommended, or avoidable opioid use, e.g., continuous use-described as chronic use, prolonged use, and persistent use (n = 17); use after completion of curative-intent treatment-described as chronic opioid use, long-term opioid use, persistent opioid use, prolonged opioid use, continued opioid use, late opioid use, post-treatment opioid use (n = 27); use of opioids concurrent with other potentially high-risk medications (n = 13), and opioid misuse (n = 14). CONCLUSIONS We found lack of consistency in the measurement of and terms used to describe similar opioid use outcomes, and a lack of interventional research targeting well-documented patterns of potentially nonrecommended, potentially avoidable, or potentially high-risk opioid prescribing or use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon K Check
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine (D.K.C.), Durham, North Carolina; Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Cente (D.K.C., R.A.A., C.M., A.H.K., K.C.O.), Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Renee A V Avecilla
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Cente (D.K.C., R.A.A., C.M., A.H.K., K.C.O.), Durham, North Carolina
| | - Coleman Mills
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Cente (D.K.C., R.A.A., C.M., A.H.K., K.C.O.), Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michaela A Dinan
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health (M.A.D.), New Haven, Connecticut; Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale Cancer Center (M.A.D.), New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Arif H Kamal
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Cente (D.K.C., R.A.A., C.M., A.H.K., K.C.O.), Durham, North Carolina; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center (A.H.K.), Durham, North Carolina
| | - Beverly Murphy
- Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives, Duke University School of Medicine (B.M.), Durham, North Carolina
| | - Salma Rezk
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy (S.R.), Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aaron Winn
- School of Pharmacy, Medical College of Wisconsin (A.W.), Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Kevin C Oeffinger
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Cente (D.K.C., R.A.A., C.M., A.H.K., K.C.O.), Durham, North Carolina; Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine (K.C.O.), Durham, North Carolina
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Arya R, Hong D, Schultz O, Jutzy JM, Cotangco K, Peters P, Daily EW, McCall AR, Howard AR, Hasan Y, Kothari R, Son CH. Opioid Use in Patients With Cervical Cancer at Two Urban Medical Centers. Adv Radiat Oncol 2022; 7:100833. [PMID: 35387422 PMCID: PMC8977857 DOI: 10.1016/j.adro.2021.100833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with cervical cancer are at high risk for opioid use. This study aimed to characterize opioid prescribing patterns at 2 urban hospitals. Methods and Materials Data from patients with cervical cancer treated with curative intent from 2011 to 2018 were retrospectively collected. Women with unrelated chronic opioid use before diagnosis, persistent/recurrent disease at 3 months after initiation of treatment, or initiation of opioids >6 months after treatment were excluded. Demographics, disease characteristics, treatment, and outpatient prescription practices were collected. Endpoints included duration of opioid use ≥6 and ≥12 months. Results There were 106 women included, of whom 83% received definitive radiation. Most patients (n = 91, 85.8%) received outpatient opioids. Most common timing of prescriptions were before cancer therapy (35.9%), postprocedure (26.4%), and during radiation therapy (17.0%). Median duration was 3 (interquartile range, 1-11) months; 35.2% of these patients received opioids ≥6 months and 22% received opioids ≥12 months. Greater International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, recurrent/residual disease, initiation of opioids before treatment, history of depression or anxiety, and use of gabapentin or steroids were associated with long-term opioid use. Conclusions Most patients were prescribed outpatient opioids, many of whom used opioids for 12 months. Improvement in provider communication and education, increased posttreatment monitoring, and further evaluation of nonopioid therapies are needed in this patient population to reduce long-term opioid use.
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de Albuquerque LZ, da Silva JL, Dos Santos ALS, Rodrigues IP, de Melo AC. Prevalence of long-term opioid use after radiotherapy for cervical cancer in a Brazilian cancer center. J Cancer Surviv 2022; 17:686-693. [PMID: 35146613 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-022-01183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to describe the clinical and demographic profile of cervical cancer patients exploring risk factors for prolonged use of opioids. METHODS The database of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute was queried out and 214 women with cervical cancer diagnosed between January 2014 and December 2015 who underwent isolated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with complete response were included. Patients who no longer used opioids 6 months after completion of radiation therapy were classified as stoppers; patients who continued using opioids were non-stoppers. Variables were comparatively evaluated as risk factors for prolonged use of opioids. RESULTS The median age was 49.4 years. Most women were non-white (64.5%) and had ECOG Performance Status (PS) ≥ 1 (76.6%), International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage II-III (84.1%), and squamous cell carcinoma (82.7%). Smoking and alcohol consumption rates were, respectively, 44.9% and 39.7%. The median time from diagnosis to the onset of EBRT was 111 days (interquartile range 66.2). Most patients underwent CRT (88.8%). The rate of non-stoppers was 65.0%. By multivariate analysis, prescription of strong opioids (p = 0.005) and disease recurrence (p < 0.001) were suggested as independent factors for prolonged use of opioids. CONCLUSION The rate of prolonged use of opioids after radiotherapy is alarming. Prescription of strong opioids and disease recurrence might be independent risk factors for its persistent use. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS These results reveal an unmet and urgent need to implement public multiprofessional support programs with well-established protocols for dependence withdrawal, as well as stricter national measures of control in opioid prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Zanetti de Albuquerque
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), 37 André Cavalcanti Street, 5th floor, Annex Building, Downtown, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP Code 20231-050, Brazil.
| | - Jesse Lopes da Silva
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), 37 André Cavalcanti Street, 5th floor, Annex Building, Downtown, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP Code 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Alexssandra Lima Siqueira Dos Santos
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), 37 André Cavalcanti Street, 5th floor, Annex Building, Downtown, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP Code 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Isabella Pereira Rodrigues
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), 37 André Cavalcanti Street, 5th floor, Annex Building, Downtown, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP Code 20231-050, Brazil
| | - Andreia Cristina de Melo
- Division of Clinical Research and Technological Development, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), 37 André Cavalcanti Street, 5th floor, Annex Building, Downtown, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP Code 20231-050, Brazil
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Jones KF, Fu MR, Merlin JS, Paice JA, Bernacki R, Lee C, Wood LJ. Exploring Factors Associated With Long-Term Opioid Therapy in Cancer Survivors: An Integrative Review. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:395-415. [PMID: 32822751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The prevalence of chronic pain in cancer survivors is double that of the general U.S. POPULATION Opioids have been the foundation of cancer pain management for decades; however, there is a paucity of literature on long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) in cancer survivors. An understanding of factors related to LTOT use in cancer survivors is needed to address chronic pain and balance opioid harms in the expanding population of cancer survivors. OBJECTIVES To analyze the research of LTOT utilization and factors associated with persistent opioid use in cancer survivors. METHODS A five-stage integrative review process was adapted from Whittemore and Knafl. Data sources searched included Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Quantitative research studies from 2010 to present related to cancer survivors managed on LTOT were included. Editorials, reviews, or abstracts were excluded. RESULTS After reviewing 315 articles, 21 articles were included. We found that there were several definitions of LTOT in the reviewed studies, but the duration of opioid use (i.e., more than three months after completion of curative treatment) was the most common. The reviewed literature describes a relationship between LTOT and important biopsychosocial factors (cancer type, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidities). CONCLUSION The studies in this review shed light on the factors associated with LTOT in cancer survivors. LTOT was common in certain populations of cancer survivors and those with a collection of patient-specific characteristics. This review suggests that there is a critical need for specialized research on chronic cancer pain and opioid safety in cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Fitzgerald Jones
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Mei R Fu
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica S Merlin
- University of Pittsburg School of Medicine, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Judith A Paice
- Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Christopher Lee
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lisa J Wood
- Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA
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Jairam V, Yang DX, Verma V, Yu JB, Park HS. National Patterns in Prescription Opioid Use and Misuse Among Cancer Survivors in the United States. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2013605. [PMID: 32804217 PMCID: PMC7431994 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.13605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Prescription opioids are frequently prescribed to treat cancer-related pain. However, limited information exists regarding rates of prescription opioid use and misuse in populations with cancer. OBJECTIVES To estimate the prevalence and likelihood of prescription opioid use and misuse in adult cancer survivors compared with respondents without cancer and to identify characteristics associated with prescription opioid use and misuse in adult cancer survivors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study is a retrospective, population-based study using data from 169 162 respondents to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health from January 2015 to December 2018. Survey data sets were queried for all respondents aged 18 years or older. Those with a reported history of cancer were termed cancer survivors and further divided into more recent (had cancer within 12 months of survey) and less recent (had cancer more than 12 months prior to survey) cohorts. Respondents with nonmelanoma skin cancer were excluded. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Prescription opioid use and misuse within the past 12 months. RESULTS Among 169 162 respondents, 5139 (5.2%) were cancer survivors, with 1243 (1.2%) and 3896 (4.0%) reporting having more recent and less recent cancer histories, respectively. Higher rates of prescription opioid use were observed among more recent cancer survivors (54.3%; 95% CI, 50.2%-58.4%; odds ratio [OR], 1.86; 95% CI, 1.57-2.20; P < .001) and less recent cancer survivors (39.2%; 95% CI, 37.3%-41.2%; OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.08-1.28; P < .001) compared with respondents without cancer (30.5%, reference group). Rates of prescription opioid misuse were similar among more recent (3.5%; 95% CI, 2.4%-5.2%; OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.82-1.96; P = .36) and less recent (3.0%; 95% CI, 2.4%-3.6%; OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.83-1.28; P = .76) survivors compared with respondents without cancer (4.3%, reference group). Younger age (aged 18-34 years vs ≥65 years: OR, 7.06; 95% CI, 3.03-16.41; P < .001), alcohol use disorder (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.45-7.14; P = .005), and nonopioid drug use disorder (OR, 14.76; 95% CI, 7.40-29.44; P < .001) were associated with prescription opioid misuse among cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, prescription opioid use was higher among more and less recent cancer survivors compared with the population without a history of cancer. Rates of prescription opioid misuse were low and similar among all 3 cohorts. These findings suggest that higher prescription opioid use among cancer survivors may not correspond to increased short-term or long-term misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Jairam
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Daniel X. Yang
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Vivek Verma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - James B. Yu
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Henry S. Park
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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