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Khatoon H, Faudzi SMM. Balancing acts: The dual faces of fentanyl in medicine and public health. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 71:102507. [PMID: 39127024 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102507] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid widely used in medicine for its effective analgesic properties, particularly in surgical procedures and in the treatment of severe, chronic pain. In recent decades, however, there has been a worrying increase in the illicit use of fentanyl, particularly in North America. This rise in illicit use is concerning because fentanyl is associated with polydrug abuse, which adds layers of complexity and dangerous. This review provides a comprehensive examination of fentanyl, focusing on its synthesis and medical use. It also discusses the significance of the piperidine ring in medicinal chemistry as well as the critical role of fentanyl in pain management and anesthesia. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges associated with the abuse potential of fentanyl and the resulting public health concerns. The study aims to strike a balance between the clinical benefits and risks of fentanyl by advocating for innovative uses while addressing public health issues. It examines the chemistry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of fentanyl and highlights the importance of personalized medicine in the administration of opioids. The review underscores the necessity of continuous research and adaptation in both clinical use and public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hena Khatoon
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Siti Munirah Mohd Faudzi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; Natural Medicines and Product Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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Bossi P, Pietrzyńska T, Margarit Ferri C, Mansilla I, Tellone V, Fioravanti S, Di Loreto G, Comandini A. Compliance with the breakthrough cancer pain European guidelines and impact on patients' quality of life: an observational prospective study. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1388837. [PMID: 39006759 PMCID: PMC11239570 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1388837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study aimed to assess the percentage of patients treated according to the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2018 guidelines for breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) and the impact of guidelines adherence on patients' quality of life (QoL). Methods Adult opioid-tolerant patients diagnosed with BTcP and locally advanced or recurrent metastatic cancer with a life expectancy of >3 months prospectively were included. Patients were followed up for 28 days. Results Of 127 patients included, 37 were excluded due to the impossibility to establish adherence to the ESMO guidelines. Among the evaluable patients [51.1% female; with mean (SD) age of 66.4 (11.8) years], all were adherent. BTcP was diagnosed by the Association for Palliative Medicine algorithm in 47.8% of patients and by clinical experience in 52.2% of patients. The mean number of daily BTcP episodes ranged between 1 and 8, with a mean (95% CI) severity of 7.3 (7.0; 7.6) at week 0 and 6.2 (5.8; 6.6) at week 4. Time to maximum pain intensity was 3-15 min in 52.2% of patients, and BTcP lasted 30-60 min in 14.4% of patients at week 0 and 4.4% of patients at week 4. Mean (95% CI) treatment effectiveness was 6.6 (6.1; 7.1) at week 0 and 7.4 (7.0; 7.8) at week 4. Median (Q1-Q3) patients' global impression of clinical condition was 4.0 (4.0-4.0) at week 0 and 3.0 (2.0-3.0) at week 4. Conclusion A clear BTcP assessment and strict follow-up could be crucial to guidelines adherence and for patient's QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bossi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Medical Oncology and Hematology Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Tatiana Pietrzyńska
- Palliative Care Ward, Czeladz Hospital, Czeladz, Poland
- Palliative Care Association “Hope”, Bedzin, Poland
- Home Hospice “Panaceum”, Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland
| | | | - Irene Mansilla
- Medical Writing Department, TFS Health Science, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valeria Tellone
- Global Medical Department, Angelini Pharma S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Fioravanti
- Pharmacometrics & Clinical Supply, Angelini Pharma S.p.A., Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Loreto
- Pharmacometrics & Clinical Supply, Angelini Pharma S.p.A., Rome, Italy
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Ingielewicz A, Szymczak RK. Intranasal Therapy in Palliative Care. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:519. [PMID: 38675179 PMCID: PMC11054984 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the use of the intranasal route has been actively explored as a possible drug delivery method in the palliative patient population. There are reports demonstrating the effectiveness of nasally administered medications that are routinely used in patients at the end of life. The subject of this study is the intranasal drug administration among palliative patients. The aim is to summarize currently used intranasal therapies among palliative patients, determine the benefits and difficulties, and identify potential areas for future research. A review of available medical literature published between 2013 and 2023 was performed using online scientific databases. The following descriptors were used when searching for articles: "palliative", "intranasal", "nasal", "end-of-life care", "intranasal drug delivery" and "nasal drug delivery". Out of 774 articles, 55 directly related to the topic were finally selected and thoroughly analyzed. Based on the bibliographic analysis, it was shown that drugs administered intranasally may be a good, effective, and convenient form of treatment for patients receiving palliative care, in both children and adults. This topic requires further, high-quality clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ingielewicz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland;
- Hospice Foundation, Kopernika Street 6, 80-208 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Robert K. Szymczak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Gdansk, Mariana Smoluchowskiego Street 17, 80-214 Gdansk, Poland;
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Nakhaee S, Saeedi F, Mehrpour O. Clinical and pharmacokinetics overview of intranasal administration of fentanyl. Heliyon 2023; 9:e23083. [PMID: 38144320 PMCID: PMC10746457 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the presence of large surfaces and high blood supply, drug delivery through the nasal route of administration is the appropriate route to administrate drugs with rapid onsets of action. Bypassing first-pass metabolism can increase drug bioavailability. The physicochemical properties of fentanyl led to a need to develop formulations for delivery by multiple routes. Several approved inter-nasal fentanyl products in Europe and the USA have been used in prehospital and emergency departments to treat chronic cancer pain and used to treat severe acute abdominal and flank pain. Analgesia durations and onsets were not significantly different between intranasal and intravenous fentanyl in patients with cancer breakthrough pain and were well-tolerated in the long term. Intranasal Fentanyl (INF) at a 50 μg/ml concentration decreased renal colic pain to the lowest level in 30 min. Possible adverse effects specific to INF are epistaxis, nasal wall ulcer, rhinorrhea, throat irritation, dysgeusia, nausea, and vomiting. However, there is limited available literature about the serious adverse effects of INF in adults and children. Intranasal Fentanyl Spray (INFS) results in significantly higher plasma concentrations and has a lower Tmax than oral transmucosal formulation, and the bioavailability of fentanyl in intranasal formulations is very high (89 %), particularly in pectin-containing formulations such as PecFent and Lazanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Nakhaee
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand, Iran
| | - Farhad Saeedi
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC), Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Omid Mehrpour
- Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- AI and Health LLC, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Paice JA, Bohlke K, Barton D, Craig DS, El-Jawahri A, Hershman DL, Kong LR, Kurita GP, LeBlanc TW, Mercadante S, Novick KLM, Sedhom R, Seigel C, Stimmel J, Bruera E. Use of Opioids for Adults With Pain From Cancer or Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:914-930. [PMID: 36469839 DOI: 10.1200/jco.22.02198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide guidance on the use of opioids to manage pain from cancer or cancer treatment in adults. METHODS A systematic review of the literature identified systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials of the efficacy and safety of opioid analgesics in people with cancer, approaches to opioid initiation and titration, and the prevention and management of opioid adverse events. PubMed and the Cochrane Library were searched from January 1, 2010, to February 17, 2022. American Society of Clinical Oncology convened an Expert Panel to review the evidence and formulate recommendations. RESULTS The evidence base consisted of 31 systematic reviews and 16 randomized controlled trials. Opioids have primarily been evaluated in patients with moderate-to-severe cancer pain, and they effectively reduce pain in this population, with well-characterized adverse effects. Evidence was limited for several of the questions of interest, and the Expert Panel relied on consensus for these recommendations or noted that no recommendation could be made at this time. RECOMMENDATIONS Opioids should be offered to patients with moderate-to-severe pain related to cancer or active cancer treatment unless contraindicated. Opioids should be initiated PRN (as needed) at the lowest possible dose to achieve acceptable analgesia and patient goals, with early assessment and frequent titration. For patients with a substance use disorder, clinicians should collaborate with a palliative care, pain, and/or substance use disorder specialist to determine the optimal approach to pain management. Opioid adverse effects should be monitored, and strategies are provided for prevention and management.Additional information is available at www.asco.org/supportive-care-guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Paice
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Kari Bohlke
- American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA
| | - Debra Barton
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - David S Craig
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL
| | | | - Dawn L Hershman
- Mailman School of Public Health and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Lynn R Kong
- Ventura County Hematology Oncology Specialists, Oxnard, CA
| | - Geana P Kurita
- Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Kristina L M Novick
- Penn Radiation Oncology Chester County, Chester County Hospital, West Chester, PA
| | - Ramy Sedhom
- Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, Abramson Cancer Center, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - Eduardo Bruera
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Marinangeli F, Saetta A, Lugini A. Current management of cancer pain in Italy: Expert opinion paper. Open Med (Wars) 2021; 17:34-45. [PMID: 34950771 PMCID: PMC8651060 DOI: 10.1515/med-2021-0393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic pain and breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) have a high prevalence in all cancer types and cancer stages, combined with a significant physical, psychological, and economic burden. Despite efforts to improve appropriate management of cancer pain, a poor assessment and guilty undertreatment are still reported in many countries. The purpose of this expert opinion paper is to contribute to reduce and clarify these issues with a multidisciplinary perspective in order to share virtuous paths of care. Methods Common questions about cancer pain assessment and treatment were submitted to a multidisciplinary pool of Italian clinicians and the results were subsequently discussed and compared with the findings of the published literature. Conclusion Despite a dedicated law in Italy and effective treatments available, a low percentage of specialists assess pain and BTcP, defining the intensity with validated tools. Moreover, in accordance with the findings of the literature in many countries, the undertreatment of cancer pain is still prevalent. A multidisciplinary approach, more training programs for clinicians, personalised therapy drug formulations, and virtuous care pathways will be essential to improve cancer pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Marinangeli
- Department of Anesthesiology Intensive Care and Pain Treatment, University of L'Aquila, Località Coppito, Piazzale Salvatore Tommasi, 1-67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annalisa Saetta
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Antonio Lugini
- Department of Oncology, San Giovanni-Addolorata Hospital, 00184, Rome, Italy
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Perkins P, Parkinson A, Akyea RK, Husbands E. Nasal fentanyl alone plus buccal midazolam: an open-label, randomised, controlled feasibility study in the dying. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2020; 10:300-303. [PMID: 32376759 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2019-002029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many patients want to stay at home to die. They invariably become unable to take oral medication during their terminal phase. Symptoms are usually controlled by subcutaneous medications. There have been no studies on nasal fentanyl (NF) or buccal midazolam (BM) to control symptoms in the dying. OBJECTIVE To establish how best to conduct a definitive, randomised controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether NF and BM administered by families, for patients dying at home, lead to faster and better symptom control and fewer community nursing visits than standard breakthrough medication by healthcare professionals. METHODS This open-label mixed-method feasibility RCT compared the efficacy of NF and BM by family members to standard breakthrough medication by nurses for the terminally ill in a specialist palliative care unit. Partway through the study, a third observational arm was introduced where BM alone was used. The primary outcomes were whether recruitment and randomisation were possible, assessment of withdrawal and drop-out, and whether the methods were acceptable and appropriate. RESULTS Administration of NF and BM was acceptable to patients and families. Both were well tolerated. We were unable to obtain quality of life data consistently but did get time period data for dose-controlled symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Study participation in a hospice population of the dying was acceptable. The results will help guide future community study planning. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02009306.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Perkins
- Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK .,Palliative Medicine, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - Anne Parkinson
- Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - Ralph Kwame Akyea
- Division of Primary Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, UK
| | - Emma Husbands
- Palliative Medicine, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK
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Fallon M, Giusti R, Aielli F, Hoskin P, Rolke R, Sharma M, Ripamonti CI. Management of cancer pain in adult patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines. Ann Oncol 2018; 29:iv166-iv191. [PMID: 30052758 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 423] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M Fallon
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, IGMM, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - R Giusti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital of Rome, Rome
| | - F Aielli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - P Hoskin
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - R Rolke
- Department of Palliative Medicine, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - M Sharma
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - C I Ripamonti
- Department of Onco-Haematology, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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Prevalence and Characterization of Breakthrough Pain Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain in the South of Spain: A Cross-Sectional, Multicenter, Observational Study. PAIN RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2018; 2018:4325271. [PMID: 29850241 PMCID: PMC5937435 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4325271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is highly prevalent in industrialized countries, where it is one of the main causes of disability. Patients with CLBP in treatment with opioids often experience episodes of breakthrough pain (BTP), but data on prevalence and treatment preferences are scarce. The objectives of this study were, first, the evaluation of the prevalence of BTP in patients with CLBP in the South of Spain (N = 1,868) and, second, the characterization of BTP in these patients (N = 295). Data was collected on presence of BTP, type and location of pain, treatment, compliance, and patient satisfaction. We found a prevalence of BTP in patients with CLBP of 37.5% (95% CI: 35.3%–39.7%), similar in men and women. 75% of the patients were older than 50 years. The preferred drug of patients who control BTP with opioids is fentanyl (78.3%) and its most common form of administration is nasal (53.2%). Therapeutic compliance was high and 46.3% of patients considered the control of their BTP very satisfactory. Our study showed that BTP is common in patients with CLBP and that current treatments seem adequate.
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Pilkey J, Pedersen A, Tam JW, Malik A, Wong J. The Use of Intranasal Fentanyl for the Palliation of Incident Dyspnea in Advanced Congestive Heart Failure: A Pilot Study. J Palliat Care 2018; 34:96-102. [DOI: 10.1177/0825859718777343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Dyspnea is distressing in palliative patients with end-stage heart failure and many are hospitalized to optimize this symptom. We hoped to conduct a pilot study to determine whether the administration of intranasal fentanyl would decrease activity-induced dyspnea in this patient population. Methods: Patients performed two 6-minute walk tests with and without the administration of 50 μg of intranasal fentanyl. Vital signs were recorded before and after each walk, as were participant reported dyspnea and adverse events scores. Results: Twenty-four patients were screened, 13 were deemed eligible, and 6 completed the study. Dyspnea scores changed from a mean of 6.00 immediately after the walk without fentanyl to a mean of 3.83 after the walk with fentanyl ( P = .048). Mean respiratory rate decreased from 21.0 to 18.7 ( P = .034) breaths per minute and was considered a favorable outcome by the participants. Distance walked did not significantly increase with the fentanyl pretreatment (136.0-144.2 m; P = .283), although the participants reported feeling better while walking a similar distance. Conclusions: In this pilot study, the preadministration of intranasal fentanyl prior to activity in palliative, end-stage hospitalized heart failure patients, safely reduced tachypnea, and the feeling of shortness of breath. This approach may help palliate advanced heart failure patients by alleviating symptoms brought on by exertional activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Pilkey
- Department of Family Medicine, Section of Palliative Medicine, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Allison Pedersen
- Palliative Care Program, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - James W. Tam
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Amrit Malik
- Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jonathan Wong
- Department of Family Medicine, Section of Palliative Medicine, University of Manitoba, St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, Canada
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Abstract
Chronic pain is an issue encountered by many health care providers in their routine clinical practice. In addition to generalized patient suffering, this condition has significant clinical, psychological, and socioeconomic impact due to its widespread occurrence. The landscape of chronic pain management has been changing rapidly with an array of treatment innovations, better understanding of established therapies, and care coordination across specialties. In this article, we have reviewed emerging new modalities as well as transformation of established therapies by interventional, pharmacologic, rehabilitative, psychological, complimentary, and interdisciplinary approaches.
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