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Bahrami F, Rossi RM, De Nys K, Joerger M, Radenkovic MC, Defraeye T. Implementing physics-based digital patient twins to tailor the switch of oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl patches based on patient physiology. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 195:106727. [PMID: 38360153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Fentanyl transdermal patches are widely implemented for cancer-induced pain treatment due to the high potency of fentanyl and gradual drug release. However, transdermal fentanyl up-titration for opioid-naïve patients is difficult, which is why opioid treatment is often started with oral/iv morphine. Based on the daily dose of morphine, the initial dose of the fentanyl patch is decided upon. After reaching a stable level of pain, the switch is made from oral/iv morphine to transdermal fentanyl. There are standard calculation tools for transferring from oral/iv morphine to transdermal fentanyl, which is the same for all patients. By considering the variations in the physiology of the patients, a unique switching strategy cannot meet the needs of different patients. This study explores the outcome in terms of pain relief and minute ventilation during opioid therapy. For this, we used physics-based simulations on a virtually-generated population of patients, and we applied the same therapy to all patients. We could show that patients' physiology, such as gender, age, and weight, greatly impact the outcome of the therapy; as such, the correlation coefficient between pain intensity and age is 0.89, and the correlation coefficient between patient's weight and maximum plasma concentration of morphine and fentanyl is -0.98 and -0.97. Additionally, a different combination of the duration of overlap between morphine and fentanyl therapy with different doses of fentanyl was considered for the virtual patients to find the best opioid-switching strategy for each patient. We explored the impact of combining physiological features to determine the best-suited strategy for virtual patients. Our findings suggest that tailoring morphine and fentanyl therapy only based on a limited number of features is insufficient, and increasing the number of impactful physiological features positively influences the outcome of the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Bahrami
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen CH-9014, Switzerland; ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, Bern CH-3012, Switzerland
| | - René Michel Rossi
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen CH-9014, Switzerland
| | - Katelijne De Nys
- Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Palliativzentrum, Rorschacherstrasse 95, St. Gallen CH-9000, Switzerland; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, ON2 Herestraat 49 - box 424, Leuven BE-3000, Belgium
| | - Markus Joerger
- Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Medizinische Onkologie und Hämatologie, Rorschacherstrasse 95, St. Gallen CH-9000, Switzerland
| | - Milena Cukic Radenkovic
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen CH-9014, Switzerland
| | - Thijs Defraeye
- Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Empa, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, St. Gallen CH-9014, Switzerland.
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Davis MP, McPherson ML, Reddy A, Case AA. Conversion ratios: Why is it so challenging to construct opioid conversion tables? J Opioid Manag 2024; 20:169-179. [PMID: 38700396 DOI: 10.5055/jom.0853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Standardizing opioid management is challenging due to the absence of a ceiling dose, the unknown ideal therapeutic plasma level, and the lack of an clear relationship between dose and therapeutic response. Opioid rotation or conversion, which is switching from one opioid, route of administration, or both, to another, to improve therapeutic response and reduce toxicities, occurs in 20-40 percent of patients treated with opioids. Opioid conversion is often needed when there are adverse effects, toxicities, or inability to tolerate a certain opioid formulation. A majority of patients benefit from opioid conversion, leading to improved analgesia and less adverse effects. There are different published ways of converting opioids in the literature. This review of 20 years of literature is centered on opioid conversions and aims to discuss the complexity of converting opioids. We discuss study designs, outcomes and measures, pain phenotypes, patient characteristics, comparisons of equivalent doses between opioids, reconciling conversion ratios between opioids, routes, directional differences, half-lives and metabolites, interindividual variability, and comparison to package insert information. Palliative care specialists have not yet come to a consensus on the ideal opioid equianalgesic table; however, we discuss a recently updated table, based on retrospective evidence, that may serve as a gold standard for practical use in the palliative care population. More robust, well-designed studies are needed to validate and guide future opioid conversion data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mellar P Davis
- Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7903-3993
| | - Mary Lynn McPherson
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, Maryland. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6098-2112
| | - Akhila Reddy
- Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, Texas. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7628-8675
| | - Amy A Case
- Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
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3
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Wong AK, Klepstad P, Rubio JP, Somogyi AA, Vogrin S, Le B, Philip J. Opioid Switch Dosing in Chronic Cancer Pain: A Prospective Longitudinal Study. J Palliat Med 2024; 27:388-393. [PMID: 37955655 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2023.0541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Opioid switching is common, however, conversion tables have limitations. Guidelines suggest postswitch dose reduction, yet, observations show opioid doses may increase postswitch. Objectives: To document the opioid conversion factor postswitch in cancer, and whether pain and adverse effect outcomes differ between switched opioid groups. Design/Setting: This multicenter prospective longitudinal study included people with advanced cancer in Australia. Clinical data (demographics, opioids) and validated instruments (pain, adverse effects) were collected twice, seven days apart. Results: Opioid switch resulted in dose increase (median oral morphine equivalent daily dose 90 mg [interquartile range {IQR} 45-184] to 150 mg [IQR 79-270]), reduced average pain (5.1 [standard deviation {SD} 1.7] to 3.8 [SD 1.6]), and reduced adverse effects. Hydromorphone dose increased 2.5 times (IQR 1.0-3.6) above the original conversion factor used. Conclusions: Opioid switching resulted in overall dose increase, particularly when switching to hydromorphone. Higher preswitch dosing may require higher dose conversion ratios. Dose reduction postswitch risks undertreatment and may not be always appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron K Wong
- Department of Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pal Klepstad
- Department Intensive Care Medicine, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Justin P Rubio
- Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew A Somogyi
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacology, Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sara Vogrin
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brian Le
- Department of Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, Palliative Care Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
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Basu P, Maier C, Averitt DL, Basu A. NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes and peripheral neuropathic pain - Emphasis on microRNAs (miRNAs) as important regulators. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175901. [PMID: 37451423 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by the lesion or disease of the somatosensory system and can be initiated and/or maintained by both central and peripheral mechanisms. Nerve injury leads to neuronal damage and apoptosis associated with the release of an array of pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns to activate inflammasomes. The activation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome contributes to neuropathic pain and may represent a novel target for pain therapeutic development. In the current review, we provide an up-to-date summary of the recent findings on the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome in modulating neuropathic pain development and maintenance, focusing on peripheral neuropathic conditions. Here we provide a detailed review of the mechanisms whereby NLRP3 inflammasomes contribute to neuropathic pain via (1) neuroinflammation, (2) apoptosis, (3) pyroptosis, (4) proinflammatory cytokine release, (5) mitochondrial dysfunction, and (6) oxidative stress. We then present the current research literature reporting on the antinociceptive effects of several natural products and pharmacological interventions that target activation, expression, and/or regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, we emphasize the effects of microRNAs as another regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome. In conclusion, we summarize the possible caveats and future perspectives that might provide successful therapeutic approaches against NLRP3 inflammasome for treating or preventing neuropathic pain conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramita Basu
- Pittsburgh Center for Pain Research, The Pittsburgh Project to End Opioid Misuse, Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Camelia Maier
- Division of Biology, School of the Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, 76204-5799, USA.
| | - Dayna L Averitt
- Division of Biology, School of the Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, 76204-5799, USA.
| | - Arpita Basu
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, 89154, USA.
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Wong AK, Somogyi AA, Rubio J, Pham TD, Le B, Klepstad P, Philip J. Effectiveness of Opioid Switching in Advanced Cancer Pain: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3676. [PMID: 37509337 PMCID: PMC10378198 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid switching is a common practice of substituting one opioid for another to improve analgesia or adverse effects; however, it has limited evidence. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of opioid switching in advanced cancer. This multi-center prospective cohort study recruited patients assessed to switch opioids (opioid switch group) or to continue ongoing opioid treatment (control group). Clinical data (demographics, opioids) and validated instruments (pain and adverse effects) were collected over two timepoints seven days apart. Descriptive analyses were utilized. Non-parametric tests were used to determine differences. Fifty-four participants were recruited (23 control group, 31 switch group). At the follow-up, opioid switching reduced pain (worst, average, and now) (p < 0.05), uncontrolled breakthrough pain (3-fold reduction, p = 0.008), and psychological distress (48% to 16%, p < 0.005). The switch group had a ≥25% reduction in the reported frequency of seven moderate-to-severe adverse effects (score ≥ 4), compared to a reduction in only one adverse effect in the control group. The control group experienced no significant pain differences at the follow-up. Opioid switching is effective at reducing pain, adverse effects, and psychological distress in a population with advanced cancer pain, to levels of satisfactory symptom control in most patients within 1 week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron K Wong
- Department of Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3052, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 3050, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew A Somogyi
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Justin Rubio
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience & Mental Health, Parkville 3050, Australia
| | - Tien Dung Pham
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Brian Le
- Department of Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3052, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 3050, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Pal Klepstad
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne 3052, Australia
- Department of Palliative Care, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne 3050, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Australia
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Green R, Khalil R, Mohapatra SS, Mohapatra S. Role of Cannabidiol for Improvement of the Quality of Life in Cancer Patients: Potential and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112956. [PMID: 36361743 PMCID: PMC9654506 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently a growing interest in the use of cannabidiol (CBD) to alleviate the symptoms caused by cancer, including pain, sleep disruption, and anxiety. CBD is often self-administered as an over-the-counter supplement, and patients have reported benefits from its use. However, despite the progress made, the mechanisms underlying CBD’s anti-cancer activity remain divergent and unclear. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of molecular mechanisms to determine convergent anti-cancer actions of CBD from pre-clinical and clinical studies. In vitro studies have begun to elucidate the molecular targets of CBD and provide evidence of CBD’s anti-tumor properties in cell and mouse models of cancer. Furthermore, several clinical trials have been completed testing CBD’s efficacy in treating cancer-related pain. However, most use a mixture of CBD and the psychoactive, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and/or use variable dosing that is not consistent between individual patients. Despite these limitations, significant reductions in pain and opioid use have been reported in cancer patients using CBD or CBD+THC. Additionally, significant improvements in quality-of-life measures and patients’ overall satisfaction with their treatment have been reported. Thus, there is growing evidence suggesting that CBD might be useful to improve the overall quality of life of cancer patients by both alleviating cancer symptoms and by synergizing with cancer therapies to improve their efficacy. However, many questions remain unanswered regarding the use of CBD in cancer treatment, including the optimal dose, effective combinations with other drugs, and which biomarkers/clinical presentation of symptoms may guide its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Green
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Roukiah Khalil
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Shyam S. Mohapatra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Subhra Mohapatra
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- James A Haley VA Hospital, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.M.); (S.M.)
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Bates J, Fudin J, Patel JN. Integrating pharmacogenomics into precision pain management. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:10453-10459. [PMID: 36271058 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07404-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies suggest wide heterogeneity in pain management response. Improved methods of pain pharmacotherapy are urgently needed to improve clinical response and safety profile of analgesics. The study or application of how genetics influence response to medications is called pharmacogenomics (PGx). PGx testing is a tool that may support more precise selection and dosing of pain medicines. PGx guidelines exist for drug-gene interactions with high levels of evidence and can be applied in clinical practice for more precise care in patients with cancer. The Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) is a publicly funded international consortium of experts who curate published PGx data and create peer-reviewed guidelines on how to translate PGx results into actionable prescribing decisions. Given the immense need to improve pain management, it is important to increase awareness and consider application of CPIC guidelines to pain management strategies. This commentary concisely describes how PGx can be used to aid in more precise applications of pain pharmacotherapy based on the CPIC guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Bates
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Jai N Patel
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA.
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Chapman EJ, Edwards Z, Boland JW, Maddocks M, Fettes L, Malia C, Mulvey MR, Bennett MI. Practice review: Evidence-based and effective management of pain in patients with advanced cancer. Palliat Med 2020; 34:444-453. [PMID: 31980005 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319896955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain of a moderate or severe intensity affects over half of patients with advanced cancer and remains undertreated in at least one-third of these patients. AIM The aim of this study was to provide a pragmatic overview of the evidence supporting the use of interventions in pain management in advanced cancer and to identify where encouraging preliminary results are demonstrated but further research is required. DESIGN A scoping review approach was used to examine the evidence supporting the use of guideline-recommended interventions in pain management practice. DATA SOURCES National or international guidelines were selected if they described pain management in adult cancer patients and were written within the last 5 years in English. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (January 2014 to January 2019) was searched for 'cancer' AND 'pain' in the title, abstract or keywords. A MEDLINE search was also made. RESULTS A strong opioid remains the drug of choice for treating moderate or severe pain. Bisphosphonates and radiotherapy are also effective for cancer-related bone pain. Optimal management requires a tailored approach, support for self-management and review of treatment outcomes. There is likely a role for non-pharmacological approaches. Paracetamol should not be used in patients taking a strong opioid to treat pain. Cannabis-based medicines are not recommended. Weak opioids, ketamine and lidocaine are indicated in specific situations only. CONCLUSION Interventions commonly recommended by guidelines are not always supported by a robust evidence base. Research is required to evaluate the efficacy of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-convulsants, anti-depressants, corticosteroids, some invasive anaesthetic techniques, complementary therapies and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma J Chapman
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
| | - Zoe Edwards
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
| | - Jason W Boland
- Wolfson Palliative Care Research Centre, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Matthew Maddocks
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy Fettes
- Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy & Rehabilitation, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Matthew R Mulvey
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael I Bennett
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, Leeds, UK
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Pawasarat IM, Schultz EM, Frisby JC, Mehta S, Angelo MA, Hardy SS, Kim TWB. The Efficacy of Medical Marijuana in the Treatment of Cancer-Related Pain. J Palliat Med 2020; 23:809-816. [PMID: 32101075 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The opioid epidemic has spurred investigations for nonopioid options, yet limited research persists on medical marijuana's (MMJ) efficacy in managing cancer-related symptoms. Objective: We sought to characterize MMJ's role on symptomatic relief and opioid consumption in the oncologic population. Design: Retrospective chart review of MMJ-certified oncology patients was performed. Divided patients into MMJ use [MMJ(+)] versus no use [MMJ(-)], and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS)-reported pain cohorts: "mild-moderate" versus "severe." Measurements: Medical records were reviewed for ESAS, to measure physical and emotional symptoms, and opiate consumption, converted into morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Minimal clinically important differences were determined. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests determined statistical significance between MMJ-certification and most recent palliative care visit. Results: Identified 232 patients [95/232 MMJ(-); 137/232 MMJ(+)]. Pain, physical and total ESAS significantly improved for total MMJ(-) and MMJ(+); however, only MMJ(+) significantly improved emotional ESAS. MMJ(-) opioid consumption increased by 23% (97.5-120 mg/day MME, p = 0.004), while it remained constant (45-45 mg/day MME, p = 0.522) in MMJ(+). Physical and total ESAS improved in mild-moderate-MMJ(-) and MMJ(+). Pain and emotional symptoms worsened in MMJ(-); while MMJ(+)'s pain remained unchanged and emotional symptoms improved. MMJ(-) opioid consumption increased by 29% (90-126 mg/day MME, p = 0.012); while MMJ(+)'s decreased by 33% (45-30 mg/day MME, p = 0.935). Pain, physical, emotional, and total ESAS scores improved in severe-MMJ(-) and MMJ(+); opioid consumption reduced by 22% in MMJ(-) (135-106 mg/day MME, p = 0.124) and 33% in MMJ(+) (90-60 mg/day MME, p = 0.421). Conclusions: MMJ(+) improved oncology patients' ESAS scores despite opioid dose reductions and should be considered a viable adjuvant therapy for palliative management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Samir Mehta
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, New Jersey, USA
| | - Mark A Angelo
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Samuel S Hardy
- MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tae Won B Kim
- Cooper Bone and Joint Institute, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey, USA
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Sato J, Tanaka R, Ishikawa H, Suzuki T, Shino M. A preliminary study of the effect of naldemedine tosylate on opioid-induced nausea and vomiting. Support Care Cancer 2019; 28:1083-1088. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04884-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Corli O, Santucci C, Corsi N, Radrezza S, Galli F, Bosetti C. The Burden of Opioid Adverse Events and the Influence on Cancer Patients' Symptomatology. J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:899-908.e6. [PMID: 30776537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Opioids are frequently used for the treatment of moderate-to-severe pain and their use may produce a number of unwanted adverse events (AEs). OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to understand the burden of opioid-induced AEs in cancer patients with pain after the introduction of strong opioids (WHO Step III). METHODS This is a cohort study derived from a randomized controlled trial involving 498 cancer patients with pain who received strong opioids. During 28-day follow-up, we analyzed frequency, intensity, and changes over time of the main opioid-induced AEs; the influence of previous pain therapy on AEs; and the relationships between the presence of AEs and analgesic response. RESULTS After starting strong opioids, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting immediately increased and persisted over time, constipation continued to increase, while drowsiness and confusion tended to decrease. Patients previously treated with weak opioids had more frequent and severe AEs. While at all observation points the percentage of patients without AEs was 37%-39%, considering all the five scheduled visits, from Day 3 to Day 28, 17% of patients never experienced any AEs, while 48% of patients had four or more concomitant AEs. Patients with no AEs experienced significantly lower pain intensity. CONCLUSION Opioid introduction induces various AEs that persist over time and worse patients' symptomatology. Moreover, there seems to be a different expression of the opioid toxicity among patients, and a possible interaction between AEs and the analgesic response. The balance between the opioids analgesic effect and induced toxicity is fundamental in deciding the best management for pain in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Corli
- Department of Oncology, Unit of Pain and Palliative Care Research, Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudia Santucci
- Department of Oncology, Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicole Corsi
- Department of Oncology, Unit of Pain and Palliative Care Research, Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Radrezza
- Department of Public Health, Laboratory for Public Health, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Galli
- Department of Oncology, Unit of Statistics, Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Bosetti
- Department of Oncology, Unit of Cancer Epidemiology, Laboratory of Methodology for Clinical Research, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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