Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis in pancreatic cancer-associated pain: different technical approaches in three challenging cases

Abdominal pain is severe in the vast majority of patients with pancreatic cancer. In some cases, chronic use of analgesics markedly reduces quality of life due to side effects. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided celiac plexus neurolysis is a procedure that controls cancerassociated pain in this population and consists of injecting a neurolytic agent around or within the celiac plexus. In this report, we present three cases with different technical approaches for celiac plexus neurolysis.

El cáncer de páncreas se puede presentar con dolor abdominal intenso, siendo necesario el uso de analgésicos a largo plazo en muchos de los pacientes. Sin embargo, estos medicamentos pueden tener efectos adversos que finalmente reducen la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La neurólisis del plexo celíaco guiada por ecoendoscopia es un procedimiento que controla el dolor asociado a este tipo de neoplasia y consiste en inyectar un agente neurolítico en o alrededor del plexo celíaco. Presentamos tres casos en los cuales se realizan diferentes técnicas de abordaje terapéutico.

Effects of cannabinoids on pain control, quality of life and opioid-sparing in cancer patients: systematic review / Utilização de canabinoides no controle da dor, na qualidade de vida e no efeito poupador de opioides em pacientes com câncer: revisão sistemática

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, have several therapeutic properties that may be useful in medicine. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of cannabinoid use on pain control, quality of life and opioid-sparing in patients with advanced cancer. CONTENTS: A systematic review of the evidence for the use of cannabinoids in patients with advanced cancer was conducted on 1) Pain control; 2) Quality of life; and 3) Opioid-sparing effect. PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane databases were searched for articles, written in English, published between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2022, with the filters "randomized controlled trials" and "clinical trials". Using oral formulations of cannabinoids was accepted as "intervention" and placebo as "control". Risk of bias analysis was performed with Cochrane's RoB 2 and ROBINS-I tools. This review followed the 2020 PRISMA- statement. Ten studies were included, with 1169 participants, most with moderate risk of bias. The studies were from Australia (n=4), Canada (n=1), Israel (n=1), Mexico (n=1), The United Kingdom (n=1); two were multinationals. Eight were randomized, placebo-controlled trials; two were non-randomized studies. The most used formulation was nabiximols oral spray. Cannabinoids provide a clinical improvement in pain control. Evidence of improved quality of life with cannabinoids is inconclusive. Cannabinoids do not affect the daily dose of opioids in refractory cancer pain. Cannabinoid use cannot be said to have an opioid-sparing effect. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to expand research on the prescription of cannabinoids in individuals with cancer and other progressive diseases, with several comorbidities and multiple medications, in different health contexts.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Os canabinoides, como o delta-9-tetrahidrocanabinol e o canabidiol, possuem propriedades terapêuticas que podem ser úteis em pacientes oncológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o impacto do uso de canabinoides no controle da dor, na melhoria da qualidade de vida, e no efeito poupador de opioides em pacientes com câncer avançado. CONTEÚDO: Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática sobre a evidência da utilização de canabinoides em pacientes com câncer avançado, relativamente a: 1) Controle da dor; 2) Qualidade de vida; e 3) Efeito poupador de opioides. Foram buscados artigos na Pubmed, Web of Science e Cochrane, em inglês, publicados entre 2011 e 2022, com os filtros "randomized controlled trials" e "clinical trials". Aceitaram-se como "intervenção" qualquer uso de formulações orais de canabinoides e como "controle" o uso de placebo. Fez-se análise de viés com as ferramentas da Cochrane RoB 2 e ROBINS-I. Seguiu-se a Declaração PRISMA 2020. Foram incluídos 10 estudos, com 1169 participantes, a maioria com risco moderado de viés. Os estudos provinham de Austrália (n=4), Canadá (n=1), Israel (n=1), México (n=1), Reino Unido (n=1); dois eram multinacionais. Oito eram ensaios randomizados controlados com placebo; dois eram não randomizados. A formulação mais usada foi spray bucal de nabiximóis. Os canabinoides proporcionam uma melhoria clínica do controle da dor. A evidência da melhoria da qualidade de vida com canabinoides é inconclusiva. Os canabinoides não afetam a dose diária de opioides na dor oncológica refratária. Não se pode afirmar que o uso de canabinoides tem um efeito poupador de opioides. CONCLUSÃO: É necessário incrementar a investigação sobre a prescrição de canabinoides em indivíduos com câncer e outras doenças progressivas, com comorbilidades e polimedicação, em diferentes contextos de saúde.

Occurrence of Fatigue and Pain in Oncology Patients: Serie of Case Reports / Ocorrência de Fadiga e Dor em Pacientes Oncológicos: Série de Casos Clínicos

Fatigue is a reversible change in biological, physical and psychic functions, resulting from the imbalance of the organism. In patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), fatigue has been cited as one of the most frequent symptoms, especially in individuals with metastasis. It can significantly limit daily activities in order to be considered as a chronic condition, in particular, when associated with painful symptoms. The objective of this studt was to report the occurrence of fatigue and pain in patients with HNC. This was a series of prospective clinical cases describing the clinical history of four patients with HNC submitted to radio chemotherapeutic treatment, users of a public oncology service. To assess the degree of fatigue, the Brief Fatigue Inventory questionnaire was applied at five different moments during the antineoplastic treatment and pain analysis, an analog pain scale was used. The analysis of the questionnaires showed that fatigue was a frequent complaint and intensified with the advance of antineoplastic therapy. Its occurrence was also related to the difficulty performing daily activities. Painful symptomatology has been reported by patients to varying degrees. The occurrence of fatigue and pain in patients with HNC presents variability due to the individual's own experience, reflected by their socioeconomic and cultural context and their personal perception of the illness process.(AU)

A fadiga é uma alteração reversível das funções biológicas, físicas e psíquicas, proveniente do desequilíbrio do organismo. Em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP), a fadiga tem sido citada como um dos sintomas mais frequentes, principalmente em indivíduos com metástase. Pode limitar de forma significativa as atividades diárias, de modo a ser considerada uma condição crônica, em especial, quando associada à sintomatologia dolorosa. Este trabalho objetiva relatar a ocorrência de fadiga e dor em pacientes com CCP. Tratou-se de uma série de casos clínicos, de caráter prospectivo, que descreve a história clínica de quatro pacientes com CCP submetidos ao tratamento radioquimioterápico, usuários de um serviço de oncologia público. Para avaliação do grau de fadiga, foi aplicado o questionário Brief Fatigue Inventory em cinco momentos distintos, durante o tratamento antineoplásico e para a análise da dor, foi utilizada uma escala analógica de dor. A análise dos questionários demonstrou que a fadiga foi uma queixa frequente e se intensificou com o avanço da terapia antineoplásica. Sua ocorrência também esteve relacionada à dificuldade de execução de atividades cotidianas. A sintomatologia dolorosa foi relatada pelos pacientes em diferentes graus. A ocorrência de fadiga e dor em pacientes com CCP apresenta variabilidade em razão da experiência vivida pelo próprio indivíduo refletida pelo seu contexto socioeconômico e cultural e a sua percepção pessoal acerca do processo de adoecimento.(AU)

Interferential Current Electrotherapy is More Effective Thanthan TENS VIF in Cancer Pain Management / Corrente Interferencial é Mais Efetiva para Alívio da Dor Oncológica que a TENS VIF

Cancer diagnosis is increasing rapidly worldwide and pain is a common feature reported by cancer patients. Therapeutical approach on cancer pain is complex where less invasive methods with little side effects have been sought. The aim of this study was to compare transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and interferential current (IC) therapies effects on cancer pain. Double blind study with 81 cancer pain patients. Subjects were set up into two groups: one treated with TENS VIF (n=42) and other with IC (n=39). Age, gender, duration of pain, tumor site and histology, medications, treatments, Karnofsky score and clinical state were evaluated. Pain was measured by EMADOR and McGill scores. Electroanalgesia was performed for 30 minutes, the equipments used were Neurodyn III Ibramed® and Neurovector generation 2000 Ibramed®. Electrodes were placed where there was higher intensity of pain according to what was shown by the patient through EMADOR, and each one got only one electrotherapy session. Pain intensity was significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.001) soon after and until 6th hour post electrotherapy. IC group had better results at 4th, 5th (p<0.001) and 6th hour (p=0.022). McGill score in TENS VIF group was significant until 4th hour and in the IC group was highly significant in all evaluated times (p<0.001). Analgesic effect of TENS VIF and IC electrotherapy was clinically effective, however, IC did cause better results regarding analgesia duration.(AU)

O diagnóstico de câncer está aumentando rapidamente em todo o mundo e a dor é uma característica comum relatada por pacientes com câncer. A abordagem terapêutica da dor oncológica é complexa onde métodos menos invasivos e com poucos efeitos colaterais têm sido buscados. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os efeitos das terapias de estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) e corrente interferencial (IC) na dor oncológica. Estudo duplo-cego com 81 pacientes com dor oncológica. Os indivíduos foram divididos em dois grupos: um tratado com TENS VIF (n=42) e outro com IC (n=39). Idade, sexo, duração da dor, local do tumor e histologia, medicamentos, tratamentos, pontuação de Karnofsky e estado clínico foram avaliados. A dor foi mensurada pelos escores EMADOR e McGill. A eletroanalgesia foi realizada por 30 minutos, os equipamentos utilizados foram Neurodyn III Ibramed® e Neurovector geração 2000 Ibramed®. Os eletrodos foram colocados onde havia maior intensidade de dor de acordo com o apresentado pelo paciente através da EMADOR. A intensidade da dor foi significativamente reduzida em ambos os grupos (p<0,001) logo após e até a 6ª hora pós-eletroterapia. O grupo CI teve melhores resultados na 4ª, 5ª (p<0,001) e 6ª hora (p=0,022). O escore de McGill no grupo TENS VIF foi significativo até a 4ª hora e no grupo IC foi altamente significativo em todos os tempos avaliados (p<0,001). O efeito analgésico da TENS VIF e da eletroterapia com IC foi clinicamente eficaz, porém a IC trouxe melhores resultados quanto à duração da analgesia.(AU)

Utilización medicinal de cannabis en pacientes oncológicos de San Carlos de Bariloche: Estudio basado en una encuesta / Medicinal use of cannabis in cancer patients in San Carlos de Bariloche: a survey-based study

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN El uso medicinal del cannabis en pacientes oncológicos se ha popularizado en los últimos años. Para poder brindar asesoramiento que redunde en un uso más eficaz y seguro, es necesario conocer la experiencia y expectativas de los usuarios. El objetivo fue conocer los motivos y la experiencia del uso medicinal de cannabis en adultos con enfermedades oncológicas en San Carlos de Bariloche (Río Negro). MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio basado en una encuesta en línea autoadministrada sobre uso de cannabis, tiempo y motivo de uso, grado de satisfacción, asesoramiento profesional, vía de administración y efectos adversos. RESULTADOS Participaron 201 pacientes. Un 19% utilizaba cannabis, y el 31% lo había utilizado antes. La principal forma de uso fue el aceite. Los principales motivos fueron tratar el dolor, dormir mejor y sentirse mejor. Las experiencias fueron satisfactorias o muy satisfactorias para más del 50%, y las más favorables fueron para tratar el dolor, mejorar el ánimo, tolerar la quimioterapia y dormir mejor. Entre las razones para dejar de usarlo se mencionó falta de utilidad, efectos adversos, dudas sobre dosis, tiempo de uso y calidad del producto adquirido. Menos del 50% de los pacientes habían recibido asesoramiento profesional sobre uso de cannabis. DISCUSIÓN El 50% de los participantes utilizó cannabis. Este relevamiento ofrece un diagnóstico útil para promover políticas que reflejen las necesidades frente al uso de cannabis.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION The medicinal use of cannabis in cancer patients has become popular in recent years. In order to provide advice that results in a more effective and safe use, it is necessary to know the experience and expectations of users. The objective was to know the reasons and experience of the medicinal use of cannabis in adults with oncological diseases in San Carlos de Bariloche (Río Negro province). METHODS The study was based on a self-administered online survey on cannabis use, time and reason for use, degree of satisfaction, professional advice, route of administration and adverse effects. RESULTS A total of 201 patients participated, of which 19% used cannabis and 31% had previously used it. The main form of use was oil. The main reasons for use were to treat pain, sleep better and feel better. The experiences were satisfactory or very satisfactory for more than 50%, and the most favorable ones were to treat pain, improve mood, tolerate chemotherapy, and sleep better. Lack of usefulness, adverse effects, doubts about the dose, time of use and quality of the product purchased were mentioned among the reasons for the decision to stop using it. Less than 50% of the patients had received professional advice on the use of cannabis. DISCUSSION Half of the participants used cannabis. This survey provides a useful diagnosis to foster policies that reflect the needs regarding the use of cannabis.

Development of Nursing Practice Scale of Cancer Pain Management and Examination of Reliability and Validity

The aims of this study were (1) to develop and validate the scale to measure evidence-based nursing practice in cancer pain management and (2) to identify associated factors. We developed potential items based on the 2014 version of Japanese Clinical Guidelines for Cancer Pain Management and administered anonymous questionnaire for 189 oncology nurses in a designated cancer center. We conducted a re-test to test reliability.167 nurses participated in the study. As a result of item analysis and exploratory factor analysis, we developed a nursing practice scale of cancer pain management and its shortened version. This scale consists of 1 domain 50 items The Cronbach’s α coefficient showing internal consistency was 0.98 (shortened version 0.88). The intra-class correlation coefficient of reliability was 0.52 (shortened version 0.77). Concurrent validity was confirmed by the correlation between the total score of the whole scale and the total score of the practice of palliative care, knowledge, difficulty, self-confidence scale. We concluded that this scale was valid and reliable. Factors related to the nursing practice of cancer pain management were years of experience in cancer nursing, opportunities of postgraduate education, and satisfaction with postgraduate education. This scale can be used for evaluation of daily clinical practice and practice evaluation after educational efforts such as cancer pain nursing training.

A Case of Acute Withdrawal Symptoms Due to Unplanned Interruption of Buprenorphine Transdermal Patch: With a Discussion Including Social Aspects of Home Medical Care Patients

Introduction: Since the commercial availability of buprenorphine extended-release transdermal patches (BTDP) from the early 2010’s, the therapeutic indications for opioids have widely expanded to include chronic benign diseases. We report a case of a home health care patient with acute opioid withdrawal symptoms due to self-interruption of BTDP. Case: An 84-year-old man using home health care services due to worsening of lumbar spinal canal stenosis had been receiving analgesia with a BTDP, a mixed opioid agonist/antagonist analgesic, for the preceding five months. Since the patient's spouse thought that his pain and symptoms were gradually improving, she secretly replaced the BTDP with an NSAID patch without informing the patient. About 50 hours later, the patient experienced a variety of symptoms, including frequent urination with incontinence every five minutes, watery diarrhea, sweating, decreased blood pressure, discomfort in the feet, and insomnia. Evaluation of the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Score (COWS) by the home health care physician indicated a score of 12, corresponding to mild withdrawal symptoms. About 12 hours after symptom onset, the severe abnormalities were barely noticeable and completely disappeared after two days. Conclusion: Few previous case reports have described withdrawal symptoms due to rapid discontinuation of BTDP. In addition to the medical considerations, we report the social issues associated with onset of the condition in a home environment. Opioid use for non-cancer pain requires medication management from a different perspective than that for cancer pain.

Progress of relationship between fentanyl family and immunomodulation / 肿瘤研究与临床

The abuse of opioids in the perioperative period has made the side effects of opioids increasingly prominent. So many anesthesiologists have proposed the concept of opioid-free anesthesia. Immunomodulation is an important field of modern medical research. With the introduction of the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery, the immunomodulatory effects of opioids have received increasing attention. Currently, the fentanyl family is commonly used opioid analgesics in clinical practice. This article reviews the research progress of the fentanyl family and immunomodulation, in order to provide guidance for clinicians to choose analgesic drugs.

Progress in breakthrough cancer pain management / 中华全科医师杂志

Pain is one of the most frightening and unbearable symptoms in cancer patients, approximately 80% of patients with advanced cancer have pain, and a systematic review shows that the prevalence of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) was 59.2%. Breakthrough pain often has a significant negative effect on quality of life of patients, which is related to a direct effect (suffering) and an indirect effect (interference with activities of daily living). Clinical management of BTcP is still not satisfactory despite the availability of various effective pain relief agents. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current situation of the management of BTcP at home and abroad, and to discuss the factors that hinder the management of BTcP.

Effects of different analgesic methods of hydromorphone on analgesic efficacy and sleep quality in patients with refractory cancer pain / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of different analgesic methods of hydromorphone on analgesic efficacy and sleep quality in patients with refractory cancer pain.Methods:Sixty patients with refractory cancer pain who received three-step analgesic treatment in Quzhou People's Hospital from August 2018 to December 2019 and acquired poor analgesic effects were included in this study. They were randomly assigned to undergo either an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia with hydromorphone (HV group, n = 30) or an intrathecal patient-controlled analgesia with hydromorphone (HI group, n = 30) for 10 consecutive days. The analgesic efficacy in each group was evaluated using the numerical rating scale (NRS) before and 2, 4, 24, 48 hours, and 10 days after administration. The frequency of breakthrough pain (BTP) at each time point was recorded. The sedation effect of medication was evaluated using the Ramsay score. The sleep quality of patients was evaluated using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The activities of CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ lymphocyte subsets were measured by flow cytometry at different time points. The adverse reactions within 10 days after treatment were observed and recorded. Results:Before and at each time point after treatment, there were no significant differences in NRS score, the frequency of BTP, Ramsay score, and PSQI score between the two groups (NRS score: t = 0.45, 0.91, 0.52, 1.19, 0.97, 1.92, all P > 0.05; frequency of BTP: t = 0.34, 1.88, 0.86, 1.71, 1.22, 0.76, all P > 0.05; Ramsay score: t = 0.56, 0.46, 0.63, 0.22, 0.99, 0.14, all P > 0.05; PSQI: t = 0.86, 1.25, 1.46, 1.05, 0.57, 1.93, all P > 0.05). At each time point after treatment, the activities of CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ cells increased in each group, and the activities of CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ cells in the HI group were significantly higher than those in the HV group (CD 3+: t = 3.72, 3.12, 2.85, 3.13, 2.44, all P < 0.05; CD 4+: t = 3.62, 2.45, 3.31, 3.19, 2.70; all P > 0.05; CD 4+/CD 8+: t = 3.10, 2.74, 2.83, 3.24, 3.41, all P < 0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions was slightly, but not significantly, lower in the HI group than the HV group [14.00% (7/30) vs. 26.00% (13/30), χ2 = 2.70, P = 0.100]. Conclusion:Compared with intravenous administration of hydromorphone, intrathecal administration of hydromorphone can better effectively relieve pain, decrease the frequency of BTP, improve sleep quality, has a good sedative effect, improve immune function, and has fewer adverse reactions.

Analysis of influencing factors for breakthrough cancer pain in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Methods:According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who were diagnosed and followed up by outpatient service in the 909th Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force from January 2019 to December 2020 were prospectively selected as the study subjects. According to whether breakthrough cancer pain occurred, all patients were divided into observation group (breakthrough cancer pain) and control group (no breakthrough cancer pain). The relevant clinical data of the included patients including age, gender, presence or absence of vomit, constipation, sleep disruption, frequency of basic pain every week, with or without regular medication, heavy physical labor, with or without vascular invasion, bone metastasis, abdominal metastasis and lung metastasis, as well as whether surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy were collected and the data of evaluation indicators during follow-up were recorded. Digital pain score (NRS) and visual analog score (VAS) were used as pain evaluation score. Univariate and logistic regression were used to analyze the related influencing factors of breakthrough cancer pain. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn, and area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated to analyze the predictive value for breakthrough cancer pain.Results:A total of 173 patients were included in the study, with 49 cases in the observation group and 124 cases in the control group. Univariate analysis showed that aged ≥50 years old, constipation, sleep disruption, frequency of basic pain ≥3 times, irregular medication, heavy physical labor, bone metastasis, lung metastasis, radiochemotherapy, high NRS score and high VAS score were the influencing factors for breakthrough cancer pain (all P value <0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that irregular medication ( OR=1.879, 95% CI 2.473-4.757, P=0.002), basal pain ≥3 times ( OR=2.067, 95% CI 1.364-6.825, P=0.004), bone metastasis ( OR=2.756, 95% CI 1.153-5.846, P<0.001), NRS score ( OR=3.787, 95% CI 2.647-5.958, P<0.001), VAS score ( OR=2.684, 95% CI 1.545-7.878, P<0.001), were the risk factors for breakthrough cancer pain. The AUC of NRS score for predicting the occurrence of breakthrough cancer pain was 0.665 (95% CI0.573-0.757, P=0.001), and the cut-off value was 2.5 score with a sensitivity of 61.2% and a specificity of 77.1%. The AUC for predicting breakthrough cancer pain by VAS score was 0.608 (95% CI0.515-0.701, P=0.028), and the cut-off value was 2.5 score with a sensitivity of 67.9% and a specificity of 63.7%. The AUC of NRS+ VAS score for predicting breakthrough cancer pain was 0.692 (95% CI0.604-0.780), and the cut-off value was 4.5 score with a sensitivity of 81.6% and a specificity of 79.8%. Conclusions:Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer have a high incidence of breakthrough cancer pain, which was related to a variety of factors. NRS combined with VAS score can effectively predict the occurrence of breakthrough cancer pain.

Percepciones del paciente oncológico terminal ante intervenciones de enfermería no farmacológicas para el dolor en un hospital público, Bogotá 2021 / Perceptions of Terminal Cancer Patients in Light of Non-Pharmacological Nursing for Pain Management at a Public Hospital, Bogotá 2021 / Percepções do paciente com câncer terminal sobre intervenções não farmacológicas de enfermagem para a dor em um hospital público, Bogotá 2021

Introducción. El dolor es un síntoma frecuente en el paciente oncológico en fase terminal e impacta todos los aspectos de su vida; en su control el personal de enfermería implementa cuidados farmacológicos y no farmacológicos (masaje, relajación, musicoterapia, entre otros). El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar las percepciones del paciente oncológico en fase terminal frente a las intervenciones de enfermería no farmacológicas para el manejo del dolor en un hospital público de Bogotá en el 2021. Metodología. Estudio cualitativo-fenomenológico; participaron con muestra teórica y muestreo a conveniencia 12 personas, a quienes se les aplicó entrevista semiestructurada, las cuales fueron grabadas, transcritas y analizadas con codificación abierta, axial y selectiva por medio del programa NVivo versión 12. Resultados. Los participantes tuvieron una edad promedio de 67 años y la mayoría fueron hombres (n:8; 67%); las categorías principales de análisis fueron 1) percepción de dolor; 2) conoce técnicas no farmacológicas para el manejo del dolor; 3) conocimiento de las enfermeras frente a las intervenciones no farmacológicas;y 4) experiencias de las técnicas no farmacológicas. Discusión. El paciente oncológico valora y percibe las intervenciones de enfermería no farmacológicas como procedimientos que mejoran su parte física y emocional, permiten que la calidad de vida se mantenga; las prácticas alivian el dolor y lo hace sentir mejor. Conclusiones. Los participantes perciben que, aunque el dolor es fuerte e insoportable, las intervenciones no farmacológicas hacen parte de su proceso en la lucha contra su patología y ayudan a aliviar las molestias.

Introduction. Pain is a frequent symptom in terminal cancer patients and impacts every aspect of their lives. For managing pain, nursing staff implements pharmacological and non-pharmacological (massages, relaxation, music therapy and others) care. The objective of this study was to identify the perceptions of terminal cancer patients in light of non-pharmacological nursing interventions for pain management at a public hospital in Bogotá in 2021. Methodology. A qualitative-phenomenological study. 12 people participated in through theoretical and convenience sampling and answered semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed and analyzed with open, axial and selective coding through the Nvivo program, version 12. Results. Participants had an average age of 67 years and most were men (n:8; 67%); the main analyzed categories were 1) perception of pain; 2) knowing non-pharmacological techniques for pain management; 3) the nurses' knowledge of non-pharmacological interventions; and 4) experiences from non-pharmacological techniques. Discussion. Cancer patients assess and perceive non-pharmacological nursing interventions as procedures that improve their physical and emotional component and maintain quality of life. The practices alleviate pain and make patients feel better. Conclusions. Participants perceive that, though the pain is intense and unbearable, non-pharmacological interventions are part of their process of fighting their pathologies and help relieve discomforts.

Introdução. A dor é um sintoma frequente em pacientes com câncer em estágio terminal e afeta todos os aspectos da sua vida; para seu controle a equipe de enfermagem implementa cuidados farmacológicos e não farmacológicos (massagem, relaxamento, musicoterapia, entre outros). O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as percepções de pacientes com câncer em fase terminal sobre as intervenções não farmacológicas de enfermagem para o manejo da dor em um hospital público de Bogotá em 2021. Metodologia. Estudo qualitativo-fenomenológico. Participaram 12 pessoas com amostra teórica e amostragem por conveniência, às quais foi aplicada entrevista semiestruturada, as quais foram gravadas, transcritas e analisadas com codificação aberta, axial e seletiva por meio do programa NVivo versão 12. Resultados. Os participantes tinham idade média de 67 anos e a maioria eram homens (n:8; 67%). As principais categorias de análise foram: 1) percepção da dor; 2) conhece técnicas não farmacológicas para o manejo da dor; 3) conhecimento das enfermeiras sobre as intervenções não farmacológicas; e 4) experiências de técnicas não farmacológicas. Discussão. O paciente oncológico valoriza e percebe as intervenções de enfermagem não farmacológicas como procedimentos que melhoram sua parte física e emocional, permitem a manutenção da qualidade de vida. As práticas aliviam a dor e fazem o paciente se sentir melhor. Conclusões. Os participantes percebem que, embora a dor seja forte e insuportável, as intervenções não farmacológicas fazem parte do seu processo no combate à sua patologia e ajudam a aliviar o desconforto.

Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Buprenorphine Patch for Cancer Pain Relief in Elderly Patients : A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Centre of Eastern India

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide & cancer pain is experienced by patients with advanced, metastatic and terminal disease. Buprenorphine, a partial µ-receptor agonist and antagonist at the kopioid receptor, shows no clinically relevant accumulation of active metabolites, and pharmacokinetics remain unchanged in renal insufficiency. In elderly cancer patients, the use of opioids for control of cancer pain is a therapeutic challenge, as these group of patients often associated with renal and hepatic comorbidity that limited the use of strong opioids like morphine. Methods : A retrospective observational study was conducted in elderly patients to estimate the efficacy of transdermal buprenorphine patch for controlling of cancer pain as well as to assess the safety of the patch. For pain control Numerical Rating Score (NRS) was used & for safety assessment Grade 3 or 4 toxicity were recorded.Hepatic & renal toxicity were measured at baseline, at 1st month & at 3rd month of treatment & lastly at 6th month of treatment. Results : Majority of the patients showing good to excellent global satisfaction with Buprenorphine patch and 57% of patients suffered from constipation along with 38% nausea & vomiting. It was found that there was a significant reduction in pain intensity from baseline with a p value of <0.05. There was no significant hepatic or renal toxicity found in the study. Conclusion : Transdermal buprenorphine patch is effective and safe in elderly cancer patients for pain control. Further studies should be performed in order to find safe and effective opioid methods necessary to give greater insight into the difficult balance between analgesia and toxicity

Ketamina en el manejo del dolor oncológico / Ketamine in cancer pain management

RESUMEN Fundamento la creciente demanda de nuevos analgésicos y sustancias neuromoduladoras en general para el tratamiento del dolor, hace necesario estandarizar el uso de estos. En el caso de la ketamina, la mayoría de las investigaciones giran en torno a su uso en el abordaje de los dolores agudos en situaciones de emergencias médicas. Objetivo realizar una revisión de la literatura científica actual sobre las potencialidades de la ketamina en el tratamiento del dolor oncológico. Métodos se realizó un estudio descriptivo, con diseño no experimental, longitudinal, el cual mediante la revisión documental en torno al tema de la ketamina en el manejo del dolor oncológico, permitió desarrollar una revisión sistemática de artículos científicos publicados en el período 2010-2019. Para ello fue aplicada la metodología Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses, según la cual fue desarrollado el proceso de extracción, búsqueda y elegibilidad de los artículos. Resultados: de un total de 250 artículos encontrados en la búsqueda inicial, fueron seleccionados 6, al considerar los criterios de selección muestral. Los que más se relacionaron con la salida de artículos, fueron el efecto de solapamiento y el temporal. Se obtuvieron respuestas positivas por cualquier vía de administración de la ketamina, excepto la tópica, variante aplicada precisamente en el estudio de mayor alcance. Conclusión conforme a la evidencia analizada en el presente trabajo, en tres de los seis estudios evaluados no se confirma la efectividad de la ketamina. No obstante, en dosis subanestésica aún podría considerarse su uso para el manejo del dolor oncológico.

ABSTRACT Background The growing demand for new analgesics and neuromodulatory substances in general for the treatment of pain, makes it necessary to standardize their use. In the case of ketamine, most research revolves around its use in treating acute pain in medical emergencies. Objective to carry out a review of the current scientific literature on the potentialities of ketamine in the treatment of cancer pain. Methods a descriptive study was carried out, with a non-experimental, longitudinal design, which, through a documentary review on the subject of ketamine in the management of cancer pain, allowed the development of a systematic review of scientific articles published from 2010 to 2019. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was applied, according to which the extraction, search and eligibility process of the articles was developed. Results of a total of 250 articles found in the initial search, 6 were selected, considering the sample selection criteria. The ones that were most related to the output of articles were the overlap effect and the temporal effect. Positive responses were obtained by any route of administration of ketamine, except topical, a variant applied precisely in the largest study. Conclusion according to the evidence analyzed in this study, the effectiveness of ketamine is not confirmed in three of the six studies evaluated. However, in subanesthetic doses, its use could still be considered for the management of cancer pain.

Controle de Dor de Pacientes Com Câncer De Cabeça e Pescoço em Cuidados Paliativos: Uma Revisão de Literatura / Pain management of patients with head and neck cancer in palliative care: a literature review

Pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP) apresentam limitações e comprometimentos funcionais. A dor orofacial acomete grande parte desses pacientes e pode ser causada por inúmeros fatores, tanto nos tecidos moles quanto nos duros. Pacientes com CCP em estágio avançado, necessitam receber assistência que possibilite melhor qualidade de vida para ele e seus familiares, como forma de cuidado paliativo, principalmente quando a doença não tem mais chance de ser controlada. A analgesia farmacológica é o principal pilar no tratamento da dor oncológica, mas também pode ser realizada por meio de terapias não farmacológicas. Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar a literatura buscando as diferentes formas de controle da dor orofacial de pacientes com CCP em cuidados paliativos. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados PubMed e SciELO com as palavras "(pain control) AND (palliative care) AND (head and neck cancer)", buscando artigos dos dez últimos anos (2011-2021) e restringindo para ensaios clínicos e ensaios clínicos randomizados. Encontramos dez artigos na base PubMed e nenhum na SciELO. Após a leitura do título e resumo, excluímos cinco por não avaliarem pacientes com CCP ou não terem a abordagem analgésica como objetivo do estudo, sendo incluídosfinalmente 5 artigos em nossa revisão. A maioria dos estudos mostrou que a analgesia realizada nos pacientes em cuidados paliativos acometidos por lesões malignas de cabeça e pescoço acontece com opioides. Nesta revisão observamos poucos estudos clínicos, sendo importante a realização de trabalhos que busquem novas formas de diminuir os sintomas e melhorar a qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

Efecto analgésico de la ketamina intranasal en el tratamiento del dolor crónico oncológico

RESUMEN Fundamento: el dolor por cáncer sigue siendo difícil de tratar, especialmente cuando el paciente es resistente a los opioides. Cada vez más se buscan alternativas para contrarrestar y mejorar los síntomas provocados por la enfermedad. Uno de ellos es la ketamina, que actúa como antagonista de los receptores de N-metil-daspartato que se asocian como respuesta al dolor. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia de la respuesta analgésica al dolor oncológico con la administración intranasal de ketamina como adyuvante en el tratamiento farmacológico. Métodos: investigación realizada en una clínica del dolor de Ecuador. Se realizó un estudio de cohorte con placebo, aleatorizado, a doble ciego. Se incluyeron 142 participantes. Se administraron dos tratamientos: ketamina y placebo intranasal, los cuales se usaron en combinación con morfina. Los participantes recibieron evaluaciones periódicas según la escala visual analógica del dolor, durante tres días consecutivos. Resultados: la edad media fue de 69,11 ± 9,77 años. El carcinoma que se presentó con mayor frecuencia fue el tumor de cabeza pancreático (44,37 %). Hubo diferencias significativas entre los tratamientos administrados, los aspectos clínicos y el dolor (p <0,05). Los pacientes que fueron tratados con ketamina tuvieron un efecto analgésico más relevante que los pacientes que recibieron el placebo. El principal efecto secundario fueron las náuseas (11,43 %). Conclusiones: los pacientes tratados con ketamina experimentaron mejor analgesia que el grupo control. La ketamina representa una opción para el dolor en quien no responde al tratamiento convencional con opioides. Los efectos adversos pueden ser un limitante para su aplicación en algunos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Background: cancer pain remains difficult to treat, especially when the patient is resistant to opioids. More and more alternatives are being sought to counteract and improve the symptoms caused by the disease. One of them is ketamine, which acts as an antagonist of NMDA receptors that are associated in response to pain. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of the analgesic response to cancer pain with the intranasal administration of ketamine as an adjuvant in pharmacological treatment. Methods: research carried out in Ecuador pain clinic. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cohort study was conducted. 142 participants were included. Two treatments were administered: intranasal ketamine and placebo, which were used in combination with morphine. Participants received periodic visual analog pain scale assessments for three consecutive days. Results: the mean age was 69.11 ± 9.77 years. The pancreatic head tumor (44.37%) was the most frequently carcinoma. There were significant differences between administered treatments, clinical aspects and pain (p < 0.05). The patients who were treated with ketamine had a more relevant analgesic effect than the patients who received the placebo. The main side effect was nausea (11.43%). Conclusions: patients treated with ketamine experienced better analgesia than the control group. Ketamine represents an option for pain in those who do not respond to conventional opioid treatment. Adverse effects may limit its application in some patients.

Erector Spinae Plane Block in pediatric cancer pain: Case report / Bloqueo del plano erector espinal en dolor oncológico pediátrico: reporte de caso

Abstract The advent of the erector spinae plane block brought a new therapeutic option in a multimodal analgesia strategy, as evidenced in this case, which describes a five-year old pre-school patient who presented with severe abdominal cancer pain, secondary to an abdominal neuroblastoma, with partial high-dose opioid response, undergoing bilateral erector spinal plane block. The technique used did not give rise to complications and proved to be effective in blocking pain and reducing the opioid dosage 36 hours after the procedure. The paper discusses the variables involved in the administration mode (continuous infusion vs. bolus) and the benefit for optimal analgesia in the pediatric oncology setting.

Resumen Con la aparición del bloqueo del plano erector espinal surgen nuevas alternativas terapéuticas dentro de una estrategia de analgesia multimodal, tal como se puede apreciar en este caso, en el cual se describe un paciente preescolar de cinco años, quien cursó con dolor abdominal oncológico intenso secundario a neuroblastoma abdominal con respuesta parcial a opioides en dosis altas y en el que se empleó el bloqueo mencionado aplicado bilateralmente. La técnica empleada no generó complicaciones y demostró ser efectiva al permitir el control del dolor y la disminución de las dosis de opioides en las 36 horas posteriores a su colocación. Se plantea la discusión de variables con relación a la forma de administración (infusión continua vs. bolo) y la utilidad en la optimización analgésica en el contexto oncológico pediátrico.

Can we dream of an integrated pain management app for cancer patients?

The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional, and financial strain on individuals, families, communities, and health systems. The number of health-related mobile applications (apps) is increasing rapidly. We searched for pain apps specific for cancer patients on App Store for iOS devices and Google Play for Android devices. An integrated pain management app (IPMA) is the need of the hour, which will not only provide a platform to users to assess their pain scores but also assess other associated symptoms and can provide a step-wise assessment to their symptomatology. This can offset the patient burden in the outpatient pain clinic and reduce the number of follow-up visits by addressing common concerns that can be tackled easily at home

Social representations of nursing professionals on pain assessment in pediatric oncology patients / Representações sociais dos profissionais de enfermagem sobre a avaliação da dor na criança oncológica

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As pain is subjective, a personal and unique experience, professionals cannot ignore it or even underestimate it, especially thinking about the pediatric cancer patient. The objective was to apprehend the social representations of the nursing technicians on pain assessment in oncological children. METHODS: Qualitative research, based on the Representation Theory. Collection was carried out in the pediatric oncology care sector in March 2017. RESULTS: Six nursing technicians participated in the study, their speeches were grouped through a thematic categorization, namely: category 1. Pain perception in pediatric cancer patients, with two subcategories (pain assessment methods and institutional protocol for pain assessment) and category 2: Difficulties in applying the pain assessment method. CONCLUSION: Pain assessment of pediatric oncology patients is limited by nursing professionals, who perform it empirically or even through touching and observing face changes. Without a standardized and validated measurement instrument, this assessment may not be reliable, even though it's understandable that this is partly due to the process of adapting to the social reality that was established in the care system.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Por ser a dor algo subjetivo, uma experiência pessoal e única, os profissionais não podem ignorá-la ou mesmo subestimá-la, ainda mais pensando na criança oncológica. Objetivou-se apreender as representações sociais dos técnicos de enfermagem sobre a avaliação da dor na criança oncológica. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa qualitativa, utilizou como fundamentação a Teoria das Representações, coleta realizada no setor de cuidados oncológicos pediátricos, no mês de março de 2017. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo seis técnicas de enfermagem, suas falas foram agrupadas, ocorreu categorização temática, a saber: a categoria 1. Percepção da dor na criança oncológica, apresentando duas subcategorias (métodos de avaliação da dor e protocolo institucional para avaliar a dor) e a categoria 2. Dificuldades para aplicação do método de avaliação da dor. CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação da dor da criança oncológica é limitada pelas profissionais de enfermagem, que a realizam de forma empírica ou mesmo tocando e observando a alteração da face. Sem um instrumento de medida padronizado e validado, essa avaliação pode não ser fdedigna, mesmo entendendo que em parte deve-se ao processo de adaptação à realidade social que foi estabelecida no sistema de assistência.

Analysis of pain knowledge, belief, behavior level and influencing factors of cancer pain patients / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To understand the pain knowledge, belief and behavior level of cancer pain patients, analyze the influencing factors.Methods:A total of 176 patients with a convenient sampling method selection on November 20, 2021 in Ningxia medical institutions that have created cancer pain in the treatment of cancer pain in Ningxia as the research object of cancer pain in medical institutions, and use the "Cancer Pain Pain Incarring Credit Council Cancer Question Question" that is designed and examined by self-examination.Results:The pain knowledge dimension score of cancer pain patients in Ningxia was 5.00 (4.00, 6.00), the belief dimension score was 3.00 (-3.00, 10.00), and the behavior dimension score was 26.00 (24.00, 28.00). The results of multiple linear regression showed that financial burden and burst pain were the factors affecting the pain belief and perception of cancer pain patients ( t=-2.96, -3.00, both P<0.05). The type of medical insurance and the duration of pain were the factors affecting the behavior of pain ( t=-2.49, 3.21, both P<0.05). Conclusions:Cancer pain patients have a low level of pain knowledge, an upper-middle level of negative pain beliefs and perceptions, and a moderate level of pain behavior. It is recommended that nursing personnel use the discharge plan service as the main line to build a full-process management model of cancer pain. During the hospitalization period, pay attention to the outbreak of pain and psychological conditions, and gradually improve the quality of health education through nursing quality evaluation. After discharge, pay attention to the practicality and long-term development of continuity health education, and promote the full management of patients with cancer pain.