Cancer Pain Assessment and Classification

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in patients with cancer:a protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Pain management in patients with cancer is a critical aspect of oncological care, yet remains challenging with current pharmacological therapies. Non-pharmacological interventions, offering potential benefits without the adverse effects of drugs, have gained attention. However, the effectiveness of these diverse non-pharmacological interventions is not well understood, creating a gap in clinical practice. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to evaluate the efficacy of various non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in patients with cancer, providing evidence-based guidance for clinicians and patients.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic review and Bayesian NMA will be performed. To assess the efficacy of interventions for cancer pain, we will search six electronic databases: Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, focusing on identifying randomised controlled trials. Literature screening should be independently performed by two reviewers. A NMA will evaluate the efficacy of various non-pharmacological interventions for cancer pain. A second NMA will compare the efficacy of different non-pharmacological interventions in relieving pain interference in patients with cancer pain. Bayesian 95% credible intervals will be used to estimate the pooled mean effect size for each treatment, and the surface under the cumulative ranking area will be employed to rank the effectiveness of the treatments.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review of the published data. Findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42024483025.

Complication avoidance, rehabilitation, pain therapy and palliative care for patients with metastatic spine tumors: WFNS spine committee recommendations

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to formulate the most current, evidence-based recommendations regarding complication avoidance, rehabilitation, pain therapy and palliative care for patients with metastatic spine tumors.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in PubMed and MEDLINE, and was performed from 2013 to 2023 using the search terms "complications" + "spine metastases", "spine metastases" + + "rehabilitation", "spine metastases" + "pain therapy" + "palliative care". Screening criteria resulted in 35, 15 and 56 studies respectively that were analyzed. Using the Delphi method and two rounds of voting at two separate international meetings, nine members of the WFNS (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies) Spine Committee generated nine final consensus statements.

RESULTS

Preoperative assessment for complications following surgery in patients with metastatic spine tumors should include estimation of Karnofsky score, site of primary tumor, number of spinal and visceral metastasis, ASA score and preoperative Hb (Hemoglobin) value. Complication risk factors are age > 65 years, preoperative ASA score of 3 and 4 and greater operative blood loss. Pain management using WHO analgesic concept and early mobilization are needed, starting with non-opioids, weak opioids followed by strong opioids. Morphine is the first choice for moderate to severe pain whereas IV-PCA may be used for severe breakthrough pain with monitoring. Use of bisphosphonates is considered in cases of non-localized pain and not accessible radiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

These nine final consensus statements provide current, evidence-based guidelines on complication avoidance, rehabilitation, pain therapy and palliative care for patients with spinal metastases.

COMPLIMENTARY ROLE OF COMPREHENSIVE PALLIATIVE CARE TREATMENT TO INTRATHECAL THERAPY: CASE REPORT

Intrathecal therapy with implanted devices is often reported in some recommendations.for the management of difficult cancer pain However, data is often biased by optimistic view and poor assessment. We report a case of patient in which a comprehensive and complex palliative care treatment was effective in managing a patient who was implanted a subcutaneous port for intrathecal analgesia This patient had many characteristics of a difficult pain, really defined as refractory due to various negative prognostic pain factors, such as neuropathic pain and psychological distress.. A comprehensive pain management with a balanced approach including both interventional therapy and palliative care simultaneously, allowed to achieve optimal pain control. Terms such as intractable or refractory pain, have been ambiguously used in literature to select patients as candidates for implated pumps. A meaningful evaluation and a comprehensive treatment should be mandatory when using intrathecal anlgesia in patients with very difficult pain conditions.

Impact of pain on functional status and quality of life in Jordanian women with breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Currently, breast cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer affecting women, and the number of newly diagnosed cases continues to increase both in Jordan and globally. Upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, the suffering experienced by patients intensifies as they grapple with the debilitating side effects that hinder their ability to carry out routine activities.

PURPOSE

This study aims to assess the impact of cancer pain on functional status and quality of life (QOL) among Jordanian women with breast cancer.

METHODS

A descriptive cross-sectional design and structured interviews were conducted in the Oncology Unit at Al-Bashir Hospital with a sample of 150 eligible Jordanian women with breast cancer who provided data on pain and functional status, and QOL using four Arabic questionnaires (brief pain inventory, functional status SF-12 questionnaire, and quality of life index) to measure pain and functional status and QOL, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression statistical test were utilized to analyze the study data.

RESULTS

A Significant positive correlation (r = 0.342) was found between cancer pain and functional status interference, a significant negative correlation (r = -0.134) between quality of life and functional status interference, and a significant negative correlation (r = -0.211) between pain and quality of life. Patients with higher intensity of cancer pain are more likely to experience low functional status and poor QOL.

CONCLUSION

Breast cancer patients experience alterations in their quality of life as a result of cancer-related pain, which has a detrimental impact on their ability to carry out daily activities and disrupts their functional abilities. Healthcare providers must take these alterations into account and effectively handle them. Understanding the relationship between cancer pain and breast cancer can aid nurses in managing symptoms and providing holistic care, ultimately improving the quality of life.

Principles of Pain Management

OBJECTIVE

This article introduces the general principles of assessing, diagnosing, and managing pain relevant to neurologic practice.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Scientific understanding of and clinical practices related to pain and pain management are advancing. The field is remarkable for the diversity of health professions engaged in this effort, including physicians, scientists, psychologists, pharmacists, and many others. Pain classification is transforming with pending changes to the International Classification of Diseases diagnostic coding system, and pain assessment has moved toward consistent application of the biopsychosocial model. The diagnosis of pain has continued to become more sophisticated with the development of additional testing modalities, clearer classification systems, and diagnostic criteria. Pain management requires both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic elements; systematic review evidence for both of these and interventional and surgical management are increasingly available. The context of treatment remains important given the impact of social determinants of health and limitations of access to diagnostic and treatment resources. Due to global and interprofessional collaborations as well as new research funding, the outlook is positive.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

Pain is a protean experience for humans; functional MRI (fMRI) and other research modalities show that pain perception is highly multifocal, and modulation occurs at many nervous system levels. Neurologists bring special skills to pain evaluation and management, are well equipped to appreciate both the focal and diffuse nature of pain, and can envision how pain attenuates sleep, cognitive function, mobility, motivation, and social connection. By operationalizing expert knowledge of the nervous system, implementing relevant therapies, and collaborating with diverse health professions to manage pain, neurologists can succeed at and find meaning in optimizing patient outcomes.

Transcranial direct current stimulation in the management of pain in oncology patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis with meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in pain management in subjects with oncologic process.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Several databases were searched in December 2023. Randomized Controlled Trials that evaluated the application of tDCS on pain in adults with oncologic process were selected. Random-effects meta-analysis with 95%CI were used to quantify the change scores in pain between tDCS and control groups.

RESULTS

Six trials with 482 participants were included. There were significant differences in favor of tDCS in pain intensity in surgical oncology patients compared to sham stimulation (p < 0.001). Non-surgical patients showed no significant effect. Meta-regression analysis in this group of patients showed that the timing of the evaluation moderated the effect of tDCS on pain (p= .042), with longer time after tDCS being associated with greater pain reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

The application of a-tDCS for at least 20 min, with a current density higher than 0.057 mA/cm2, applied over M1, left DLPFC, or the insula area, between 2-5 sessions appears to be an effective and safe treatment of pain in surgical oncology patients compared to sham. The tDCS appears to be more effective for high-intensity pain, and in the long term.

Assessing Gender Differences for Non-Predictable Breakthrough Cancer Pain Phenomenon: A Secondary Analysis from IOPS-MS Study

Purpose

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is a temporary exacerbation of pain that "breaks through" a phase of adequate pain control by an opioid-based therapy. The non-predictable BTcP (NP-BTcP) subtype occurs in the absence of any specific activity. Evidence showed that gender differences exist in pain response sensitivity and clinical pain risk. This analysis aimed to signify the gender differences for the NP-BTcP phenomenon.

Patients and Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the Italian Oncologic Pain multiSetting-Multicentric Survey (IOPS-MS), the largest study on BTcP. The subset of NP-BTcP cases for non-gender-specific cancer was considered. Univariable and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify gender differences for the NP-BTcP profile about its intensity, number of episodes per day, and type. A metastatic status-stratified analysis was performed to compare gender with the main clinical variables among the population with NP-BTcP.

Results

Males exhibited a higher occurrence of BTcP in the thorax region compared to females (15% vs 11%, respectively, p = 0.03). Males also had a higher onset of BTcP, a higher BTcP therapy dosage (33% vs 28%, p = 0.04, mean: 201 vs 186, p = 0.02) and a lower Karnofsky score (mean: 46.9 vs 49.2, p = 0.03) compared to females. Similar gender differences were found for metastatic patients in the BTcP site (14% vs 8.5%, respectively; p = 0.01), peak onset (33% vs 27%, p = 0.02), BTcP therapy dosage (199 vs 185, p=0.04), and Karnofsky score (mean 47.5 vs 50.4, p = 0.009). Phenotype 2 was more characterized by non-metastatic males (41% vs 23%, p = 0.020) while non-metastatic females presence was predominant among others.

Conclusion

In this study, gender differences according to site, onset and dosage of BTcP were found. The phenotype characterization of BTcP needs to be further investigated for a possible useful function in the management of cancer-related pain in non-metastatic patients.

Lifetime Pain Management Experiences of Female Breast Cancer Survivors Aged 65+ Years

PURPOSE

Explore factors influencing pain management among female breast cancer survivors aged 65+ years with moderate to severe pain based on a score of 4 or greater on the 0-10 numeric rating scale.

DESIGN

Qualitative descriptive study.

METHODS

We interviewed 21 purposefully sampled women aged 65+ years who experienced moderate to severe pain. Researchers coded interview transcripts for factors affecting study participants' pain management experiences.

RESULTS

Pain management facilitators included patient-centered interactions with care teams and reliance on psychosocial assets. Challenges included ineffective care team interactions and participants' negative perceptions of opioid analgesia. Other factors included pain attributed to cancer treatment, pain management plan adherence, and psychosocial influencers.

CONCLUSIONS

With regard to this sample, patient-centered communication and pain management education help female breast cancer survivors aged 65+ years manage their pain. Mitigation of opioid stigma and undermanaged painful comorbid conditions could further optimize pain management. Further research on the effects of breast cancer treatment, level of adherence to pain management recommendations, and psychosocial influences on pain management is needed.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Providing contact information for care team members during and after clinic hours facilitates open communication, including timely reporting of new and undertreated pain. Collaborating with the patient and care team on a clear pain management plan and establishing parameters for when to notify the care team empower patients to optimize management of their pain. Verifying patients' understanding of prescribed analgesia and management of side effects and providing education as needed may reduce negative perceptions of opioid analgesia.

Agreement of Pain Assessment Using the Short Form of the Canine Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale between Veterinary Students, Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgeons, and ECVAA-Diplomates

Several pain scoring systems have been validated to measure pain in dogs. However, pain may not be adequately assessed since these tools are associated with high-level inter-observer variation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the agreement of pain assessment using the CMPS-SF between veterinary students, veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons, and European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia (ECVAA) diplomates. Forty-five client-owned dogs presented to a teaching hospital were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. All dogs were pain-scored in vivo, while a video of the assessment was recorded and subsequently evaluated by twenty assessors, with five per group. Mean scores between groups were compared, and agreement within groups and agreement of the average scores between groups were assessed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The intervention point at which dogs were deemed to require additional analgesia was also evaluated. Overall agreement of pain assessment was poor (ICC = 0.494). Nurses had the best inter-observer agreement (ICC = 0.656), followed by ECVAA diplomates (ICC = 0.540), veterinary surgeons (ICC = 0.478), and veterinary students (ICC = 0.432). The best inter-group agreement was between veterinary surgeons and nurses (ICC = 0.951) and between ECVAA diplomates and nurses (ICC = 0.951). Students were more likely to determine that additional analgesia was required compared to other groups. Pain assessment is key for animal welfare, and training in this area should be reinforced to improve consistency.

Advancing the integration of biosignal-based automated pain assessment methods into a comprehensive model for addressing cancer pain

BACKGROUND

Tailoring effective strategies for cancer pain management requires a careful analysis of multiple factors that influence pain phenomena and, ultimately, guide the therapy. While there is a wealth of research on automatic pain assessment (APA), its integration with clinical data remains inadequately explored. This study aimed to address the potential correlations between subjective and APA-derived objectives variables in a cohort of cancer patients.

METHODS

A multidimensional statistical approach was employed. Demographic, clinical, and pain-related variables were examined. Objective measures included electrodermal activity (EDA) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Sensitivity analysis, multiple factorial analysis (MFA), hierarchical clustering on principal components (HCPC), and multivariable regression were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The study analyzed data from 64 cancer patients. MFA revealed correlations between pain intensity, type, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance status (ECOG), opioids, and metastases. Clustering identified three distinct patient groups based on pain characteristics, treatments, and ECOG. Multivariable regression analysis showed associations between pain intensity, ECOG, type of breakthrough cancer pain, and opioid dosages. The analyses failed to find a correlation between subjective and objective pain variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The reported pain perception is unrelated to the objective variables of APA. An in-depth investigation of APA is required to understand the variables to be studied, the operational modalities, and above all, strategies for appropriate integration with data obtained from self-reporting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number (NCT04726228), registered 27 January 2021, https://classic.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT04726228?term=nct04726228&draw=2&rank=1.

Optimizing pain management in breast cancer care: Utilizing 'All of Us' data and deep learning to identify patients at elevated risk for chronic pain

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to develop a prediction model using deep learning approach to identify breast cancer patients at high risk for chronic pain.

DESIGN

This study was a retrospective, observational study.

METHODS

We used demographic, diagnosis, and social survey data from the NIH 'All of Us' program and used a deep learning approach, specifically a Transformer-based time-series classifier, to develop and evaluate our prediction model.

RESULTS

The final dataset included 1131 patients. We evaluated the deep learning prediction model, which achieved an accuracy of 72.8% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 82.0%, demonstrating high performance.

CONCLUSION

Our research represents a significant advancement in predicting chronic pain among breast cancer patients, leveraging deep learning model. Our unique approach integrates both time-series and static data for a more comprehensive understanding of patient outcomes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our study could enhance early identification and personalized management of chronic pain in breast cancer patients using a deep learning-based prediction model, reducing pain burden and improving outcomes.

Communicating pain: emerging axonal signaling in peripheral neuropathic pain

Peripheral nerve damage often leads to the onset of neuropathic pain (NeuP). This condition afflicts millions of people, significantly burdening healthcare systems and putting strain on families' financial well-being. Here, we will focus on the role of peripheral sensory neurons, specifically the Dorsal Root Ganglia neurons (DRG neurons) in the development of NeuP. After axotomy, DRG neurons activate regenerative signals of axons-soma communication to promote a gene program that activates an axonal branching and elongation processes. The results of a neuronal morphological cytoskeleton change are not always associated with functional recovery. Moreover, any axonal miss-targeting may contribute to NeuP development. In this review, we will explore the epidemiology of NeuP and its molecular causes at the level of the peripheral nervous system and the target organs, with major focus on the neuronal cross-talk between intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Specifically, we will describe how failures in the neuronal regenerative program can exacerbate NeuP.

Interventional Strategies for Alleviating Severe Abdominal Pain in Chronic Pancreatitis and Abdominal Cancer: A Case Report on the Use of Splanchnic Nerve Radiofrequency Ablation and Erector Spinae Plane Block

A cancer diagnosis marks the beginning of a difficult path filled with a profound battle against the excruciating pain associated with the illness. Cancer-related pain, which is complex and emotionally distressing, presents unique challenges in terms of treatment. Abdominal cancers and metastases frequently result in severe and unmanageable pain that does not respond well to traditional medications. In such situations, interventions like neurolysis and radiofrequency ablation of the splanchnic nerves and celiac plexus have emerged as effective strategies, providing enhanced pain relief and reducing the need for narcotic painkillers. In this case report, we describe a case of a 38-year-old man with a longstanding history of chronic pancreatitis with a polypoid growth close to the ampulla in the duodenal bulb. The patient was given pain medications to alleviate the pain, but the severe stomach pain, vomiting, and fever persisted. Imaging tests supported the diagnosis and showed chronic pancreatitis, a continuing inflammatory process, and a periampullary adenocarcinoma. The patient had significant pain while being positioned prone for the diagnostic block, hence an erector spinae plane block was done before the radiofrequency ablation. The patient received radiofrequency ablation at the T11 and T12 levels after receiving a diagnostic splanchnic nerve block, significantly reducing pain. The effectiveness of these interventional procedures in enhancing the patient's quality of life and decreasing their dependence on narcotic drugs was highlighted by follow-up visits at two, four, and six months that revealed little to no discomfort. This instance emphasizes the importance of considering neurolysis and radiofrequency ablation as essential alternatives for treating severe abdominal pain brought on by chronic pancreatitis and abdominal cancer.

Integrative Approaches for Cancer Pain Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The goal of this review is to summarize updates to the broad array of complementary therapies available for cancer pain. This paper will serve as a reference for clinicians managing pain in cancer patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Patients are embracing integrative therapies in growing numbers; clinicians must be prepared to incorporate these therapies into patients' existing treatment regimens. This requires knowledge regarding risks, benefits, and potential interactions with existing cancer therapies. Integrative cancer pain management strategies have shown promise, with several proven effective for the management of cancer pain. Energy therapies, including acupuncture, and biologicals and nutraceuticals including overall diet and vitamin D, have the highest level of evidence for efficacy. The remaining therapies discussed in this chapter may be beneficial for patients on a case-by-case basis; risks and benefits of each individual therapy as described in the text must be further assessed in future rigorous trials to further clarify the role of these complementary therapies in cancer pain management.

Social Determinants of Health and Cancer Pain in the US: Scoping Review

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are structural factors that yield health inequities. Within the context of cancer, these inequities include screening rates and survival rates, as well as higher symptom burden during and after treatment. While pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms, the relationship between SDOHs and cancer pain is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe and synthesize the published research that has evaluated the relationships between SDOH and cancer pain. A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase was conducted to identify studies in which cancer pain and SDOH were described. In all, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. In total, 14 studies reported a primary aim related to SDOH and cancer pain. Demographic variables including education or income were used most frequently. Six specific measurements were utilized to measure SDOH, such as the acculturation scale, the composite measure of zip codes for poverty level and blight prevalence, or the segregation index. Among the five domains of SDOH based on Healthy People 2030, social and community was the most studied, followed by economic stability, and education access and quality. The neighborhood and built environment domain was the least studied. Despite increasing attention to SDOH, the majority of published studies use single-dimension variables derived from demographic data to evaluate the relationships between SDOH and cancer pain. Future research is needed to explore the intersectionality of SDOH domains and their impact on cancer pain. Additionally, intervention studies should be conducted to address existing disparities and to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer pain.

Safety and Efficacy of Surgical Implantation of Intrathecal Drug Delivery Pumps in Patients With Cancer With Refractory Pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pain management in patients with cancer is a critical issue in oncology palliative care as clinicians aim to enhance quality of life and mitigate suffering. Most patients with cancer experience cancer-related pain, and 30%-40% of patients experience intractable pain despite maximal medical therapy. Intrathecal pain pumps (ITPs) have emerged as an option for achieving pain control in patients with cancer. Owing to the potential benefits of ITPs, we sought to study the long-term outcomes of this form of pain management at a cancer center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all adult patients with cancer who underwent ITP placement at a tertiary comprehensive cancer center between 2013 and 2021. Baseline characteristics, preoperative and postoperative pain control, and postoperative complication rate data were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 193 patients were included. We found that the average Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score decreased significantly by 4.08 points (SD = 2.13, P < .01), from an average NRS of 7.38 (SD = 1.64) to an average NRS of 3.27 (SD = 1.66). Of 185 patients with preoperative and follow-up NRS pain scores, all but 9 experienced a decrease in NRS (95.1%). The median overall survival from time of pump placement was 3.62 months (95% CI: 2.73-4.54). A total of 42 adverse events in 33 patients were reported during the study period. The 1-year cumulative incidence of any complication was 15.6% (95% CI: 10.9%-21.1%) and for severe complication was 5.7% (95% CI: 3.0%-9.7%). Eleven patients required reoperation during the study period, with a 1-year cumulative incidence of 4.2% (95% CI: 2.0%-7.7%).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that ITP implantation for the treatment of cancer-related pain is a safe and effective method of pain palliation with a low complication rate. Future prospective studies are required to determine the optimal timing of ITP implantation.

Opioid analgesics for nociceptive cancer pain: A comprehensive review

Pain is one of the most burdensome symptoms in people with cancer, and opioid analgesics are considered the mainstay of cancer pain management. For this review, the authors evaluated the efficacy and toxicities of opioid analgesics compared with placebo, other opioids, nonopioid analgesics, and nonpharmacologic treatments for background cancer pain (continuous and relatively constant pain present at rest), and breakthrough cancer pain (transient exacerbation of pain despite stable and adequately controlled background pain). They found a paucity of placebo-controlled trials for background cancer pain, although tapentadol or codeine may be more efficacious than placebo (moderate-certainty to low-certainty evidence). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin, piroxicam, diclofenac, ketorolac, and the antidepressant medicine imipramine, may be at least as efficacious as opioids for moderate-to-severe background cancer pain. For breakthrough cancer pain, oral transmucosal, buccal, sublingual, or intranasal fentanyl preparations were identified as more efficacious than placebo but were more commonly associated with toxicities, including constipation and nausea. Despite being recommended worldwide for the treatment of cancer pain, morphine was generally not superior to other opioids, nor did it have a more favorable toxicity profile. The interpretation of study results, however, was complicated by the heterogeneity in the study populations evaluated. Given the limited quality and quantity of research, there is a need to reappraise the clinical utility of opioids in people with cancer pain, particularly those who are not at the end of life, and to further explore the effects of opioids on immune system function and quality of life in these individuals.

Managing Severe Cancer Pain with Oxycodone/Naloxone Treatment: A Literature Review Update

Severe cancer pain substantially affects patients' quality of life, increasing the burden of the disease and reducing the disability-adjusted life years. Although opioid analgesics are effective, they may induce opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD). Oxycodone/naloxone combination therapy has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate opioid-induced constipation (OIC) while providing effective pain relief. This review provides an updated analysis of the literature of the last decade regarding the use of oxycodone/naloxone in the management of severe cancer pain. Through a comprehensive search of databases, studies focusing on the efficacy, safety, and patient experience of oxycodone/naloxone's prolonged release in severe cancer pain management were identified. Furthermore, the literature discusses the mechanism of action of naloxone in mitigating OIC without compromising opioid analgesia. Overall, the evidence suggests that oxycodone/naloxone combination therapy offers a valuable option for effectively managing severe cancer pain while minimizing opioid-induced constipation, thereby improving patients' quality of life. However, further research is needed to optimize dosing regimens, evaluate long-term safety, and assess patient outcomes in diverse cancer populations.

Targeting TRPV4 Channels for Cancer Pain Relief

Despite the unique and complex nature of cancer pain, the activation of different ion channels can be related to the initiation and maintenance of pain. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a cation channel broadly expressed in sensory afferent neurons. This channel is activated by multiple stimuli to mediate pain perception associated with inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Here, we focused on summarizing the role of TRPV4 in cancer etiology and cancer-induced pain mechanisms. Many studies revealed that the administration of a TRPV4 antagonist and TRPV4 knockdown diminishes nociception in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Although the evidence on TRPV4 channels' involvement in cancer pain is scarce, the expression of these receptors was reportedly enhanced in cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP), perineural, and orofacial cancer models following the inoculation of tumor cells to the bone marrow cavity, sciatic nerve, and tongue, respectively. Effective pain management is a continuous problem for patients diagnosed with cancer, and current guidelines fail to address a mechanism-based treatment. Therefore, examining new molecules with potential antinociceptive properties targeting TRPV4 modulation would be interesting. Identifying such agents could lead to the development of treatment strategies with improved pain-relieving effects and fewer adverse effects than the currently available analgesics.

Pain management in cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CC) occupies the second place in incidence and mortality among women in México. Despite this, Cervical Cancer continues to have a late diagnosis which leads to a high rate of complications. Pain represents the most feared and disabling symptom, being present in up to 86% of patients with advanced disease. The approach to managing pain in this population has not been studied and described to a full extent. In addition, there is a pressing need to provide concise recommendations to promote adequate pain control. We performed a review of the literature in CC and had experts in the field of pain management evaluate the evidence found. We then issued relevant recommendations on pharmacology and interventional pain management. Thus, the approach to pain management must be comprehensive and individualized, considering the timely and appropriate use of pharmacologic treatment as well as interventional procedures.

Experiences of patients with advanced cancer coping with chronic pain: a qualitative analysis

OBJECTIVES

To gain insight into the perceptions, and beliefs of patients with advanced cancer coping with chronic pain and to identify their attitudes and demands on pain management.

METHODS

From July to September 2022, 17 patients with advanced cancer living with chronic pain were recruited from a tertiary cancer hospital in Hunan Province, China. Qualitative and semi-structured interviews were conducted individually, with 30-45 minutes for each. The Colaizzi 7-step analysis method in phenomenological research was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The experience of pain acceptance by advanced cancer patients with chronic pain was summarized into four themes: pain catastrophizing (unable to ignore the pain, try various methods to relieve the pain, exaggerating pain perception, and lack of knowledge about proper pain management), rumination (compulsive rumination and worrying rumination), avoidance coping (situational avoidance and repressive avoidance) and constructive action (setting clear value goal and taking reciprocal action).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with advanced cancer had low pain acceptance and negative attitudes. Feeling helpless in the face of pain and suffering alone were their norm. Long-term negative emotions could lead to gradual depression and loss of hope for treatment, resulting in pain catastrophizing and persistent rumination. Nevertheless, a few patients accepted pain with positive attitudes. Medical professionals should pay more attention to the psychological status of advanced cancer patients with chronic pain, and employ alternative therapies, for example, cognitive behavioral therapy. More efforts are needed to reduce patients' pain catastrophizing, and promote their pain acceptance by a better understanding of pain through health education.

Botulinum Toxin for Pain Relief in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cancer pain is one of the most disabling symptoms complained by cancer patients, with a crucial impact on physical and psychological well-being. Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) type A and B have emerged as potential interventions for chronic pain; however, their role in these patients is still debated. Thus, this systematic review of randomized controlled trials aimed at assessing the effects of BoNT treatment for cancer pain to guide physicians in an evidence-based approach integrating BoNT in cancer care. Out of 5824 records, 10 RCTs satisfied our eligibility criteria and were included in the present work for a total of 413 subjects with several cancer types (breast, head and neck, esophageal, and thoracic/gastric cancers). While some studies demonstrated significant pain reduction and improved quality of life post-BoNT-A injections, outcomes across different cancer types were inconclusive. Additionally, several effects were observed in functioning, dysphagia, salivary outcomes, esophageal strictures, gastric emptying, and expansions. This review emphasizes the need for further standardized research to conclusively establish the efficacy of BoNT in comprehensive cancer pain management.

Classical cannabinoid receptors as target in cancer-induced bone pain: a systematic review, meta-analysis and bioinformatics validation

To test the hypothesis that genetic and pharmacological modulation of the classical cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) receptors attenuate cancer-induced bone pain, we searched Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for relevant skeletal and non-skeletal cancer studies from inception to July 28, 2022. We identified 29 animal and 35 human studies. In mice, a meta-analysis of pooled studies showed that treatment of osteolysis-bearing males with the endocannabinoids AEA and 2-AG (mean difference [MD] - 24.83, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] - 34.89, - 14.76, p < 0.00001) or the synthetic cannabinoid (CB) agonists ACPA, WIN55,212-2, CP55,940 (CB1/2-non-selective) and AM1241 (CB2-selective) (MD - 28.73, 95%CI - 45.43, - 12.02, p = 0.0008) are associated with significant reduction in paw withdrawal frequency. Consistently, the synthetic agonists AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal threshold (MD 0.89, 95%CI 0.79, 0.99, p < 0.00001), and ACEA (CB1-selective), AM1241 and JWH015 (CB2-selective) reduced spontaneous flinches (MD - 4.85, 95%CI - 6.74, - 2.96, p < 0. 00001) in osteolysis-bearing male mice. In rats, significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold is associated with the administration of ACEA and WIN55,212-2 (CB1/2-non-selective), JWH015 and AM1241 (CB2-selective) in osteolysis-bearing females (MD 8.18, 95%CI 6.14, 10.21, p < 0.00001), and treatment with AM1241 (CB2-selective) increased paw withdrawal thermal latency in males (mean difference [MD]: 3.94, 95%CI 2.13, 5.75, p < 0.0001), confirming the analgesic capabilities of CB1/2 ligands in rodents. In human, treatment of cancer patients with medical cannabis (standardized MD - 0.19, 95%CI - 0.35, - 0.02, p = 0.03) and the plant-derived delta-9-THC (20 mg) (MD 3.29, CI 2.24, 4.33, p < 0.00001) or its synthetic derivative NIB (4 mg) (MD 2.55, 95%CI 1.58, 3.51, p < 0.00001) are associated with reduction in pain intensity. Bioinformatics validation of KEGG, GO and MPO pathway, function and process enrichment analysis of mouse, rat and human data revealed that CB1 and CB2 receptors are enriched in a cocktail of nociceptive and sensory perception, inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and cancer pathways. Thus, we cautiously conclude that pharmacological modulators of CB1/2 receptors show promise in the treatment of cancer-induced bone pain, however further assessment of their effects on bone pain in genetically engineered animal models and cancer patients is warranted.

Efficacy of Paravertebral Injection of Interferon-α2b Combined with High-Voltage, Long-Term Pulsed Radiofrequency in DRG in Mitigation of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Retrospective Study

OBJECTIVE

This investigation aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the paravertebral injection of recombinant human interferon-α2b in conjunction with high-voltage, long-term, pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in the dorsal root ganglion for the mitigation of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

METHODS

This retrospective study included 84 individuals with acute PHN. The participants were divided into 3 groups. Group H was treated with interferon-α2b combined with high-voltage long-term PRF. Group C was treated with a combination of high-voltage, long-term PRF and a paravertebral injection (without recombinant human interferon-α2b), and group I was treated with interferon-α2b only. All the patients in the 3 groups were orally administered a 5-mg morphine hydrochloride quick-release tablet when a burst of pain occurred during treatment. The numerical rating scale for pain score, the interleukin-6 and galectin-3 levels, and the incidence of PHN were documented before and after therapy.

RESULTS

The pain intensity of all individuals decreased after therapy. Compared with group C, the numerical rating scale scores for group H were significantly reduced at 4, 8, and 12 weeks following therapy, and the PHN incidence was significantly lower. Compared with prior treatment, the recommended dosage of gabapentin capsules and immediate-release morphine hydrochloride tablets was reduced for group H. Compared with group C, the requirement for orally administrated gabapentin capsules and morphine hydrochloride tablets in group H was reduced significantly after treatment. No serious adverse reactions occurred in any of the 3 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the context of treatment of acute PHN, the injection of interferon-α2b in conjunction with high-voltage, long-term application of PRF is more effective than PRF or the injection of interferon-α2b alone.

Metabolic underpinnings of cancer-related fatigue

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and detrimental complications of cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that obesity and insulin resistance are associated with CRF occurrence and severity in cancer patients and survivors. In this narrative review, we analyzed recent studies including both preclinical and clinical research on the relationship between obesity and/or insulin resistance and CRF. We also describe potential mechanisms for these relationships, though with the caveat that because the mechanisms underlying CRF are incompletely understood, the mechanisms mediating the association between obesity/insulin resistance and CRF are similarly incompletely delineated. The data suggest that, in addition to their effects to worsen CRF by directly promoting tumor growth and metastasis, obesity and insulin resistance may also contribute to CRF by inducing chronic inflammation, neuroendocrinological disturbance, and metabolic alterations. Furthermore, studies suggest that patients with obesity and insulin resistance experience more cancer-induced pain and are at more risk of emotional and behavioral disruptions correlated with CRF. However, other studies implied a potentially paradoxical impact of obesity and insulin resistance to reduce CRF symptoms. Despite the need for further investigation utilizing interventions to directly elucidate the mechanisms of cancer-related fatigue, current evidence demonstrates a correlation between obesity and/or insulin resistance and CRF, and suggests potential therapeutics for CRF by targeting obesity and/or obesity-related mediators.

From pain to tumor immunity: influence of peripheral sensory neurons in cancer

The nervous and immune systems are the primary sensory interfaces of the body, allowing it to recognize, process, and respond to various stimuli from both the external and internal environment. These systems work in concert through various mechanisms of neuro-immune crosstalk to detect threats, provide defense against pathogens, and maintain or restore homeostasis, but can also contribute to the development of diseases. Among peripheral sensory neurons (PSNs), nociceptive PSNs are of particular interest. They possess a remarkable capability to detect noxious stimuli in the periphery and transmit this information to the brain, resulting in the perception of pain and the activation of adaptive responses. Pain is an early symptom of cancer, often leading to its diagnosis, but it is also a major source of distress for patients as the disease progresses. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the mechanisms within tumors that are likely to induce cancer pain, exploring a range of factors from etiological elements to cellular and molecular mediators. In addition to transmitting sensory information to the central nervous system, PSNs are also capable, when activated, to produce and release neuropeptides (e.g., CGRP and SP) from their peripheral terminals. These neuropeptides have been shown to modulate immunity in cases of inflammation, infection, and cancer. PSNs, often found within solid tumors, are likely to play a significant role in the tumor microenvironment, potentially influencing both tumor growth and anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge about the degree of sensory innervation in tumors. We also seek to understand whether and how PSNs may influence the tumor growth and associated anti-tumor immunity in different mouse models of cancer. Finally, we discuss the extent to which the tumor is able to influence the development and functions of the PSNs that innervate it.

Targeting TRPV1 for Cancer Pain Relief: Can It Work?

Chronic intractable pain affects a large proportion of cancer patients, especially those with metastatic bone disease. Blocking sensory afferents for cancer pain relief represents an attractive alternative to opioids and other drugs acting in the CNS in that sensory nerve blockers are not addictive and do not affect the mental state of the patient. A distinct subpopulation of sensory afferents expresses the capsaicin receptor TRPV1. Intrathecal resiniferatoxin, an ultrapotent capsaicin analog, ablates TRPV1-expressing nerve endings exposed to the cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in permanent analgesia in women with cervical cancer metastasis to the pelvic bone. High-dose capsaicin patches are effective pain killers in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain. However, large gaps remain in our knowledge since the mechanisms by which cancer activates TRPV1 are essentially unknown. Most important, it is not clear whether or not sensory denervation mediated by TRPV1 agonists affects cancer progression. In a murine model of breast cancer, capsaicin desensitization was reported to accelerate progression. By contrast, desensitization mediated by resiniferatoxin was found to block melanoma growth. These observations imply that TRPV1 blockade for pain relief may be indicated for some cancers and contraindicated for others. In this review, we explore the current state of this field and compare the analgesic potential of TRPV1 antagonism and sensory afferent desensitization in cancer patients.

The application and therapeutic effect of botulinum toxin type a (BTX-A) in the treatment of patients with pain after cancer treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a potential treatment for cancer pain. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness and safety of BTX-A in the treatment of pain after cancer treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Systematic searches of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were conducted. Randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of BTX-A compared with either placebo or active treatment in patients with pain after cancer treatment were included. The outcomes included pain intensity, quality of life, and adverse events.

RESULTS

This systematic review included four studies of which two were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with a placebo, BTX-A injection in patients with pain after cancer treatment had a clinically meaningful reduction in self-reported pain post-treatment [mean difference=-1.79 (95% CI: -2.14--1.43), P <0.00001, I ²=0%].

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that BTX-A is safe and effective for pain relief in patients with pain after cancer treatment.

PaiNEd app. Assessing central sensitization in survivors of breast cancer: A reliability study

Introduction

Pain is a common adverse event in survivors of breast cancer (sBCs). As there is no gold standard to assess pain experience predominantly related to central sensitization (CS) symptoms, we designed the PaiNEd app, which includes an algorithm to report whether patients are under predominant CS pain mechanisms.

Objective

We aimed to assess the reliability of the PaiNEd app to estimate whether sBC pain experience is predominantly related to CS symptoms.

Methods

An observational, descriptive reliability design was employed to assess the inter- and intrarater reliability of the PaiNEd app. This app includes an algorithm that considers the number of painful body parts and some questionnaires related to pain, such as the Numeric Pain-Rating Scale, the Brief Pain Inventory, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI).

Results

A total of 21 sBCs with persistent pain were recruited. We observe a general trend of close agreement between the paper-based and app-based formats (ICCs ranged between 0.802 and 0.972; Cronbach's alpha ranged between 0.797 and 0.971). Test-retest reliabilities were moderate to excellent (ICCs ranged between 0.510 and 0.941; Cronbach's alpha ranged between 0.499 and 0.938). The agreement between the categorization of the CS algorithm and the CSI (cut-off point ≥ 40 for CS symptoms) was 95.24%.

Conclusion

The PaiNEd app emerges as a robust tool for evaluating pain experience predominantly related to CS and pain-related symptoms in sBCs. Its demonstrated reliability not only bolsters its utility but also signifies its potential as a valuable asset for healthcare professionals engaged in pain education programs.

Severity, interference, qualities, and correlates of severe pain: Descriptive cross-sectional study on pain experience of cancer patients in Sri Lanka

OBJECTIVE

Pain is the most debilitating and subjective experience of cancer patients. This study examines the severity, interference, characteristics, and associations of severe pain in Sri Lankan cancer patients.

METHODS

A descriptive study was conducted in Sri Lanka on 384 patients at age 18 or older who had cancer pain for 3 months or more due to the initial lesion, secondaries, radiation, or chemotherapy. Patients with non-cancerous pain or brain metastases were excluded. Data was collected using a validated Sinhala version of the Short-Form Brief Pain Inventory and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2. Logistic regression was used to identify severe pain correlations.

RESULTS

The mean of the "worst pain" experience was 7.97, and 73.2% reported their "worst pain" as severe. The "normal works" (62.5%) and "sleep" (58.3%) were severely influenced by pain. "Aching pain," was the most reported pain quality. A statistically significant association was shown between severe pain and male gender (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.723), being in marriage (AOR = 1.947), absence of family commitments (AOR = 1.8), and pain of 3 months or more duration (AOR = 1.76).

CONCLUSION

The experiences of cancer pain vary, with the majority suffering from severe pain.

Different Outcomes According to Needling Point Location Used in Sham Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Numerous acupuncture studies have been conducted on cancer-related pain; however, its efficacy compared to sham acupuncture remains controversial. We confirmed whether the outcome of acupuncture differs according to the needling points of sham acupuncture for cancer-related pain. We searched 10 databases on 23 May 2023 to screen acupuncture trials using sham acupuncture or waiting list as controls for cancer-related pain. Sham acupuncture was classified into two types, depending on whether the needling was applied at the same locations as verum acupuncture (SATV) or not (SATS). A network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed on the basis of a frequentist approach to assess pain severity. Eight studies (n = 574 participants) were included in the review, seven of which (n = 527 participants) were included in the NMA. The pain severity was not significantly different between SATV and verum acupuncture, but verum acupuncture significantly improved pain severity compared to SATS. The risk of bias affecting the comparisons between the verum and sham acupuncture was generally low. Previous acupuncture trials for cancer-related pain showed differing outcomes of sham and verum acupuncture, depending on the needling points of sham acupuncture. The application of SATV cannot be considered a true placebo, which leads to an underestimation of the efficacy of verum acupuncture.

Fentanyl in cancer pain management: avoiding hasty judgments and discerning its potential benefits

Cancer pain is an important challenge in treatment and requires a rapid onset of action for its control. In particular, breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) should be adequately controlled with a stable dose of a short-acting oral opioid. Fentanyl is a synthetic, highly selective opioid with many advantageous chemical properties, including high lipophilicity and distinct pharmacokinetic properties. It is recommended for pain management in a variety of settings, including acute pain, chronic pain and BTcP. To date, its variously designed formulations allow non-invasive administration; amongst others, sublingual fentanyl has proven useful in the management of BTcP and in improving the quality of life of patients with cancer. This review provides an update on the management of BTcP with fentanyl, with consideration of safety, as it remains an important tool in the treatment of cancer pain.

Biological Activity of Hexaazaisowurtzitane Derivatives

Biologically active compounds of natural or synthetic origin have a complex structure and generally contain various structural groups among which polycyclic cage amines are found. Hexaazaisowurtzitanes are representatives of these amines and studies on their biological activity began less than two decades ago, starting with research on the environmental impact of CL-20. This research helped to evaluate the risks of potential pollution in the habitat environments of living organisms and determine whether the chemical compounds in question could be utilized in pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or medicinal drugs. The nomenclature of hexaazaisowurtzitane compounds has recently been expanded significantly, and some of them have demonstrated promise in the design of medicinal drugs. This paper review studies the pharmacological activity of the acyl derivatives of hexaazaisowurtzitane. Most of the compounds have been found to possess a high analgesic activity, providing a solution to the pressing issue of pain management in current pharmacology. Analgesic drugs currently used in the clinical practice do not meet all of the efficacy and safety requirements (gastro-, nephro-, hepato-, haematotoxicity, etc.). The material presented in the seven sections of this paper highlights information about hexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives. Furthermore, they have been observed to exhibit anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antihypoxic, and antimetastatic activities, which render them highly promising for evaluation in various fields of medicinal practice.

Comparison of the Novel Digital Multi-dimension Botong Score with the Brief Pain Inventory for Evaluating Cancer-Related Pain: A Randomized Crossover Trial

INTRODUCTION

Pain is a common symptom in patients with cancer, and comprehensive assessments of pain are crucial for decision-making of treatment regimens. This study aimed to compare the practicality of the novel digital multi-dimension Botong score (BTS) and the brief pain inventory (BPI) for evaluating cancer-related pain.

METHODS

This randomized crossover trial enrolled patients with cancer-related pain at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Shandong First Medical University between July and December 2022. The participants were randomized 1:1 to BTS evaluation followed by BPI or vice versa. The consistency of BTS and BPI was analyzed, including pain score and the impact of pain on emotions and sleep. The convenience, patient preference, and the filling time of the two tools were compared. The accuracy of BTS in detecting breakthrough pain and neuropathic pain was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 308 patients with cancer-related pain were screened and 233 were finally included in the analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficients of pain score for BTS and BPI (4 relevant questions) were 0.583 for the worst pain score within 24 h, 0.394 for the mildest pain score within 24 h, 0.551 for the average pain score within 24 h, and 0.511 for the current pain score, respectively (all P < 0.01), indicating a positive correlation between the BTS and BPI pain scores. BTS was superior to BPI for filling time, convenience, and patient preference (191.03 vs. 256.76, 7.70 vs. 6.78, 7.58 vs. 6.70; all P < 0.01). The accuracy of BTS in detecting breakthrough pain and neuropathic pain was 98.28% and 97.42%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pain scores evaluated by BTS have a positive correlation with those evaluated by BPI. BTS reduces the filling time, is more convenient to use, and is more favored by patients. In addition, BTS could help identify breakthrough pain and neuropathic pain.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chictr.org.cn, identifier: ChiCTR220062624.

Breakthrough and Episodic Cancer Pain from a Palliative Care Perspective

Cancer pain intensity (PI) fluctuates, but the relationship between pain flares and background pain with respect to pain management is not settled. We studied how flare and background PIs corresponded with treatment results for background cancer pain. Patients admitted to an acute palliative care unit with average and/or worst PI ≥ 1 on the 11-point numeric rating scale were included. Average and worst PI at admission and average PI at discharge were collected. We examined how the difference and ratio between worst and average PI and average PI at admission, were associated with average PI development during hospitalization. Positive differences between worst and average PI at admission were defined as pain flares. Ninety out of 131 patients had pain flares. The reduction in average PI for patients with flares was 0.9 and for those without, 1.9 (p = 0.02). Patients with large worst minus average PI differences reported the least improvement, as did those with large worst/average PI ratios. Patients with pain flares and average PI ≤ 4 at admission had unchanged average PI during hospitalization, while those with pain flares and average PI > 4 experienced pain reduction (2.1, p < 0.001). Large pain flares, in absolute values and compared to background PI, were associated with inferior pain relief.

Home-Based Treatment for Chronic Pain Combining Neuromodulation, Computer-Assisted Training, and Telemonitoring in Patients With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Rehabilitative Study

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a disabling symptom frequently reported in patients with breast cancer with a prevalence ranging from 25% to 60%, representing a major health issue. It has negative consequences on health status, causing psychological distress and affecting quality of life. Furthermore, the clinical management of chronic pain is often inadequate, and many patients do not benefit from the administration of pharmacological treatments. Alternative therapeutic options have been implemented to improve the psychophysical well-being of patients, including neuromodulation and complementary interventions.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a home care strategy combining computerized rehabilitation, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and remote telemonitoring via a web-based platform in patients with breast cancer suffering for chronic pain.

METHODS

A web-based structured survey aimed at monitoring chronic pain and its effect on psychological functions will be delivered to patients with breast cancer through social media and email. In total, 42 patients with breast cancer affected by chronic pain will be recruited during the medical screening visit. The patients will be randomly divided into 3 treatment groups that will carry out either tDCS only, exercise therapy only, or a combination of both over a 3-week period. All the treatments will be delivered at the patients' home through the use of a system including a tablet, wearable inertial sensors, and a tDCS programmable medical device. Using web-based questionnaires, the perception of pain (based on the pain self-efficacy questionnaire, visual analogue scale, pain catastrophizing scale, and brief pain inventory) and psychological variables (based on the hospital and anxiety depression scale and 12-item short form survey) will be assessed at the beginning of treatment, 1 week after the start of treatment, at the end of treatment, 1 month after the start of treatment, and 3 months after the start of treatment. The system's usability (based on the mobile app rating scale and system usability scale) and its involvement in the decision-making process (based on the 9-item shared decision-making questionnaire) will be also evaluated. Finally, at the end of the treatment, a digital focus group will be conducted with the 42 patients to explore their unexpressed needs and preferences concerning treatment.

RESULTS

The study project is scheduled to start in June 2023, and it is expected to be completed by August 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

We expect that the combination of tDCS and telemedicine programs will reduce pain perceived by patients with breast cancer and improve their mental well-being more effectively than single interventions. Furthermore, we assume that this home-based approach will also improve patients' participation in routine clinical care, reducing disparities in accessing health care processes. This integrated home care strategy could be useful for patients with breast cancer who cannot find relief from chronic pain with pharmacological treatments or for those who have limited access to care due to poor mobility or geographical barriers, thus increasing the patients' empowerment and reducing health care costs.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/49508.

Development of a binary classifier model from extended facial codes toward video-based pain recognition in cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

The Automatic Pain Assessment (APA) relies on the exploitation of objective methods to evaluate the severity of pain and other pain-related characteristics. Facial expressions are the most investigated pain behavior features for APA. We constructed a binary classifier model for discriminating between the absence and presence of pain through video analysis.

METHODS

A brief interview lasting approximately two-minute was conducted with cancer patients, and video recordings were taken during the session. The Delaware Pain Database and UNBC-McMaster Shoulder Pain dataset were used for training. A set of 17 Action Units (AUs) was adopted. For each image, the OpenFace toolkit was used to extract the considered AUs. The collected data were grouped and split into train and test sets: 80 % of the data was used as a training set and the remaining 20 % as the validation set. For continuous estimation, the entire patient video with frame prediction values of 0 (no pain) or 1 (pain), was imported into an annotator (ELAN 6.4). The developed Neural Network classifier consists of two dense layers. The first layer contains 17 nodes associated with the facial AUs extracted by OpenFace for each image. The output layer is a classification label of "pain" (1) or "no pain" (0).

RESULTS

The classifier obtained an accuracy of ∼94 % after about 400 training epochs. The Area Under the ROC curve (AUROC) value was approximately 0.98.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the use of a binary classifier model developed from selected AUs can be an effective tool for evaluating cancer pain. The implementation of an APA classifier can be useful for detecting potential pain fluctuations. In the context of APA research, further investigations are necessary to refine the process and particularly to combine this data with multi-parameter analyses such as speech analysis, text analysis, and data obtained from physiological parameters.

Case report: The lesson from opioid withdrawal symptoms mimicking paraganglioma recurrence during opioid deprescribing in cancer pain

Pain is one of the predominant and troublesome symptoms that burden cancer patients during their whole disease trajectory: adequate pain management is a fundamental component of cancer care. Opioid are the cornerstone of cancer pain relief therapy and their skillful management must be owned by physicians approaching cancer pain patients. In light of the increased survival of cancer patients due to advances in therapy, deprescription should be considered as a part of the opioid prescribing regime, from therapy initiation, dose titration, and changing or adding drugs, to switching or ceasing. In clinical practice, opioid tapering after pain remission could be challenging due to withdrawal symptoms' onset. Animal models and observations in patients with opioid addiction suggested that somatic and motivational symptoms accompanying opioid withdrawal are secondary to the activation of stress-related process (mainly cortisol and catecholamines mediated). In this narrative review, we highlight how the lack of validated guidelines and tools for cancer patients can lead to a lower diagnostic awareness of opioid-related disorders, increasing the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms. We also described an experience-based approach to opioid withdrawal, starting from a case-report of a symptomatic patient with a history of metastatic pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma.

HIF-1α/MMP-9 promotes spinal cord central sensitization in rats with bone cancer pain

Bone cancer pain (BCP) is one of the most prevalent and serious symptoms of patients with cancer. Currently, the medical interventions used for the treatment of BCP do not act with optimal safety and efficacy. In this study, we appraised whether the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α)/metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) axis activates the PI3K/AKT pathway, resulting in elevated spinal cord central sensitization and aggravated BCP. BCP rats were established by tibial injection of Walker 256 cells, followed by different interventions in rats using HIF-1ɑ inhibitor LW6 or antibody treatments. After treatment with LW6 or antibody against HIF-1α, central sensitization in the spinal cord tissues of rats was inhibited, and pain perception in rats was reduced. Moreover, the activation of glial cells in the spinal cord tissues was ameliorated. The expression of MMP9 was remarkably suppressed in spinal cord tissues after inhibition of HIF-1ɑ activity, and the activity of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was inhibited. Further activation of MMP9 expression suppressed the alleviating effect of HIF-1ɑ inhibitor LW6 or antibody on pain perception in rats inoculated with tumors. Taken together, our studies suggest a HIF-1α/MMP9-mediated activation of PI3K/AKT in the spinal cord tissues, resulting in increased pain perception in a rat model with BCP.

The Role of Ultrasound in Cancer and Cancer-Related Pain-A Bibliometric Analysis and Future Perspectives

Ultrasound has a deep penetrating ability with minimal or no tissue injury, while cancer-mediated complications during diagnosis, therapy, and surgery have become a serious challenge for clinicians and lead to the severity of the primary condition (cancer). The current study highlights the importance of ultrasound imaging and focused ultrasound therapy during cancer diagnosis, pain reduction, guidance for surgical resection of cancer, and the effectiveness of chemotherapy. We performed the bibliometric analysis on research domains involving ultrasound, cancer management, pain, and other challenges (chemotherapy, surgical guidance, and postoperative care), to observe the trend by which the research field has grown over the years and propose a possible future trend. The data was obtained from the Web of Science, processed, and exported as plain text files for analysis in the Bibliometrix R web interface using the Biblioshiny package. A total of 3248 documents were identified from 1100 journal sources. A total of 390 articles were published in 2022, with almost a 100% growth rate from previous years. Based on the various network analysis, we conclude that the outcome of the constant research in this domain will result in better patient care during the management of various diseases, including cancer and other co-morbidities.

Cancer Pain Experience Through the Lens of Patients and Caregivers: Mixed Methods Social Media Study

BACKGROUND

Cancer pain represents a challenge for cancer patients and their family members. Despite progression in pain management, pain is still underreported and undertreated, and there is limited information on the related needs that patients and caregivers may have. Online platforms represent a fundamental tool for research to reveal the unmet needs of these users and their emotions outside the medical setting.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to (1) reveal the unmet needs of both patients and caregivers and (2) detect the emotional activation associated with cancer pain by analyzing the textual patterns of both users.

METHODS

A descriptive and quantitative analysis of qualitative data was performed in RStudio v.2022.02.3 (RStudio Team). We analyzed 679 posts (161 from caregivers and 518 from patients) published over 10 years on the "cancer" subreddit of Reddit to identify unmet needs and emotions related to cancer pain. Hierarchical clustering, and emotion and sentiment analysis were conducted.

RESULTS

The language used for describing experiences related to cancer pain and expressed needs differed between patients and caregivers. For patients (agglomerative coefficient=0.72), the large cluster labeled unmet needs included the following clusters: (1A) reported experiences, with the subclusters (a) relationship with doctors/spouse and (b) reflections on physical features; and (1B) changes observed over time, with the subclusters (a) regret and (b) progress. For caregivers (agglomerative coefficient=0.80), the main clusters were as follows: (1A) social support and (1B) reported experiences, with the subclusters (a) psychosocial challenges and (b) grief. Moreover, comparison between the 2 groups (entanglement coefficient=0.28) showed that they shared a common cluster labeled uncertainty. Regarding emotion and sentiment analysis, patients expressed a significantly higher negative sentiment than caregivers (z=-2.14; P<.001). On the contrary, caregivers expressed a higher positive sentiment compared with patients (z=-2.26; P<.001), with trust (z=-4.12; P<.001) and joy (z=-2.03; P<.001) being the most prevalent positive emotions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study emphasized different perceptions of cancer pain in patients and caregivers. We revealed different needs and emotional activations in the 2 groups. Moreover, our study findings highlight the importance of considering caregivers in medical care. Overall, this study increases knowledge about the unmet needs and emotions of patients and caregivers, which may have important clinical implications in pain management.

Long-term opioid therapy trajectories and overdose in patients with and without cancer

Objective

Pain is experienced by most patients with cancer and opioids are a cornerstone of management. Our objectives were (1) to identify patterns or trajectories of long-term opioid therapy (LTOT) and their correlates among patients with and without cancer and (2) to assess the association between trajectories and risk for opioid overdose, considering the potential moderating role of cancer.

Methods and Analysis

We conducted a retrospective cohort study among individuals in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA) database with incident LTOT with and without cancer (N=44,351; N=285,772, respectively) between 2010-2017. We investigated the relationship between LTOT trajectory and all International Classification of Diseases-9 and 10-defined accidental and intentional opioid-related overdoses.

Results

Trajectories of opioid receipt observed in patients without cancer and replicated in patients with cancer were: low-dose/stable trend, low-dose/de-escalating trend, moderate-dose/stable trend, moderate-dose/escalating with quadratic downturn trend, and high-dose/escalating with quadratic downturn trend. Time to first overdose was significantly predicted by higher-dose and escalating trajectories; the two low-dose trajectories conferred similar, lower risk. Conditional hazard ratios (99% CI) for the moderate-dose, moderate-dose/escalating with quadratic downturn and high-dose/escalating with quadratic downturn trends were 1·84 (1·18, 2·85), 2·56 (1·54, 4·25), and 2·41 (1·37, 4·26), respectively. Effects of trajectories on time to overdose did not differ by presence of cancer; inferences were replicated when restricting to patients with stage 3/4 cancer.

Conclusion

Patients with cancer face opioid overdose risks like patients without cancer. Future studies should seek to expand and address our knowledge about opioid risk in cancer patients.

Trial registration

None.

Ethical considerations in the relief of cancer pain

The management of pain for patients with cancer and cancer survivors is a critical clinical task that involves a multitude of ethical issues at almost every phase of the cancer experience. This review is divided into three sections: In the first, we address rights and duties in the relief of pain from the perspective of patients, clinicians, health care institutions and organizations, and public policy. This section includes a detailed description of issues and duties in relation to opioid misuse and addiction. In the second section, we discuss the ethical consideration of therapeutic planning. The final section addresses ethical considerations in the management of pain at the end of life including a detailed discussion regarding ethical issues relating to the use of palliative sedation as a clinical intervention of last resort.

Pharmacologic Management of Cancer-Related Pain in Pregnant Patients

Despite being an essential part of whole-person care, patients with cancer often experience complex and under-treated pain. Managing cancer-related pain in patients who are also pregnant compounds the challenge for adequate pain management, as studies have largely excluded this population. Therapy for pain management should be guided by the cause and mechanism of pain. The objective of this review is to provide clinicians with an understanding of pain experienced by pregnant patients with cancer and medications that may be used to help manage cancer-related pain. Nociceptive pain results from damage to somatic or visceral tissues that may be directly caused by cancer. This type of pain can be managed in pregnant patients using acetaminophen and/or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs as first-line agents. In nociceptive pain not managed by non-opioid analgesics, buprenorphine is recommended for those requiring chronic opioids to help manage their pain. Neuropathic pain that results from damage to the peripheral or central nervous system may also be directly caused by cancer, particularly chemotherapy. In pregnant patients, duloxetine and gabapentin should be considered first. Venlafaxine, pregabalin, tricyclic antidepressants, and sodium channel blockers should be avoided, if possible. Nociplastic pain is not directly caused by cancer but may be caused by ongoing peripheral nociceptive input or a condition that predates the cancer diagnosis. Duloxetine and gabapentin are reasonable agents to consider for treatment of nociceptive pain in pregnant patients. Cyclobenzaprine may also be helpful for nociplastic pain.

Considerations for Pain Assessments in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review of the Latin American Perspective

Cancer incidence in Latin America is lower than in Europe or the United States but morbidity and mortality rates are disproportionately high. A barrier to adequate pain control is inadequate pain assessment, which is a relatively easy and inexpensive metric. The objective of this narrative review is to describe pain assessment for cancer patients in Latin America. Cultural factors may influence pain perception, including contextualizing pain as noble or natural suffering and aspects of what is now called "spiritual pain." Unlike other painful conditions, cancer pain may be strongly associated with existential fear, psychosocial distress, anxiety, and spiritual concerns. Pain assessment allows not just quantification of pain intensity but may elucidate pain mechanisms involved or psychosocial aspects that may color the pain. Many current pain assessment instruments capture only pain intensity, which is but one aspect of the pain experience; some have expanded to include functional assessments, mental health status evaluations, and quality of life metrics. A quality-of-life assessment may be appropriate for cancer patients since chronic pain can severely impact function, which can in turn create a vicious cycle by exacerbating pain. The incidence of cancer in Latin America is expected to increase in the ensuing years. Better pain assessment and clinician education are needed to help manage pain in this large and growing patient population.

Benefits of Spiritual and Religious Support in the Pain Management of Cancer Patients: A Literature Scoping Review

Pain is one of the main symptoms of cancer and the most difficult to control due to its complexity as it can involve physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. We proposed to summarize the scientific knowledge already published related to the influence of spirituality on pain therapy in cancer patients. Articles were searched in PubMed, SciELO, SciFinder, PsycInfo, and ScienceDirect databases using the following descriptors: "Spirituality," "Religion," "Religion," "Chronic Pain," "Pain Management" and "Cancer." A total of 68 articles were included and discussed. Most articles dealt with the influence of spirituality in palliative care, focussed on patient quality, and highlighted the importance of integrative oncology. Although few studies associated spirituality with chronic pain, most articles reported that spirituality could confer greater pain control.

Efficacy and Security of Tetrodotoxin in the Treatment of Cancer-Related Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The pharmacological treatment of cancer-related pain is unsatisfactory. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) has shown analgesia in preclinical models and clinical trials, but its clinical efficacy and safety have not been quantified. For this reason, our aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the clinical evidence that was available. A systematic literature search was conducted in four electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and ClinicalTrials.gov) up to 1 March 2023 in order to identify published clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and security of TTX in patients with cancer-related pain, including chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Five articles were selected, three of which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The number of responders to the primary outcome (≥30% improvement in the mean pain intensity) and those suffering adverse events in the intervention and placebo groups were used to calculate effect sizes using the log odds ratio. The meta-analysis showed that TTX significantly increased the number of responders (mean = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.19-1.16, p = 0.0065) and the number of patients suffering non-severe adverse events (mean = 1.13; 95% CI: 0.31-1.95, p = 0.0068). However, TTX did not increase the risk of suffering serious adverse events (mean = 0.75; 95% CI: -0.43-1.93, p = 0.2154). In conclusion, TTX showed robust analgesic efficacy but also increased the risk of suffering non-severe adverse events. These results should be confirmed in further clinical trials with higher numbers of patients.

Best Practices in Pediatric Oncology Pain Management

ABSTRACT

Pediatric oncology patients are vulnerable to pain that may be caused by the disease or its treatment, and this symptom can be challenging to manage. This article focuses on the importance of pain control, pain assessment and treatment, and special considerations in pediatric oncology pain management, including preparing children for painful procedures and the family's role in managing pain.