scholarly journals Percutaneous cervical cordotomy for cancer-related pain: national data

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlise Poolman ◽  
Matthew Makin ◽  
Jess Briggs ◽  
Kate Scofield ◽  
Nick Campkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Improve Patient Care ◽  
Data Repository ◽  
Primary Malignancy ◽  
International Consensus ◽  
Opioid Dose

ObjectivesPercutaneous cervical cordotomy (PCC) is an interventional ablative procedure in the armamentarium for cancer pain treatment, but there is limited evidence to support its use. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of PCC.MethodsAnalysis was undertaken of the first national (UK) prospective data repository of adult patients with cancer undergoing PCC for pain treatment. The relationship between pain and other outcomes before and after PCC was examined using appropriate statistical methods.ResultsData on 159 patients’ PCCs (performed from 1 January 2012 to 6 June 2017 in three centres) were assessed: median (IQR) age was 66 (58–71) years, 47 (30%) were female. Mesothelioma was the most common primary malignancy (57%). The median (IQR) time from cancer diagnosis to PCC assessment was 13.3 (6.2–23.2) months; PCC to follow-up was 9 (8–25) days; and survival after PCC was 1.3 (0.6–2.8) months. The mean (SD) for ‘average pain’ using a numerical rating scale was 6 (2) before PCC and 2 (2) at follow-up, and for ‘worst pain’ 9 (1) and 3 (3), respectively. The median (IQR) reduction in strong opioid dose at follow-up was 50% (34–50). With the exception of ‘activity’, all health-related quality of life scores (5-level version of EuroQol-5 Dimension) either improved or were stable after PCC. Six patients (4%) had PCC-related adverse events.ConclusionsPCC is an effective treatment for cancer pain; however, findings in this study suggest PCC referrals tended to be late in patients’ disease trajectories. Further study into earlier treatment and seeking international consensus on PCC outcomes will further enhance opportunities to improve patient care.

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Scrambler Therapy for the Management of Head, Neck and Thoracic Cancer Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 5;23 (9;5) ◽  
pp. 495-506
Author(s):  
Prof. Sushma Bhatnagar
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Thoracic Cancer ◽  
Scrambler Therapy

Background: Pain is still a common feature in all types of cancers including head and neck and thoracic cancer. Neuromodulatory techniques have gained popularity over opioids in recent times because of the risks associated with chronic opioid therapy. There are no clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of scrambler therapy (ST) for the management of pain due to head and neck and thoracic cancer. Objective: This trial was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of scrambler therapy (ST) for pain relief and to assess the possible effect of ST on the dosage of opioids in patients suffering from cancer pain. Study design: A randomized control trial (RCT) was performed. Setting: The trial was conducted at the Pain and Palliative Care Unit of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Method: Forty patients were included in each of the 2 arms, control and Intervention. In both arms, patients were given pain management drugs. In the intervention group, patients additionally received 10 consecutive sessions of ST with one follow-up after 7 days. A numeric rating scale (NRS-11) was used to measure pain. Drug dosage was also recorded. Results: Overall, pain decreased in both arms. However, pain decreased more in the intervention arm as compared to the control arm. The total change in the mean score of the NRS-11 from baseline to follow-up was 3.1 and 6.19 in the control and ST arms, respectively. Differences between pain scores in both arms became significant from day 3 onwards. Mean morphine dose was significantly lower in the intervention arm from day 7 onwards. Limitations: The study followed the patients until one week after the last treatment session and encouraged patients to return for treatment if their pain returned to previous levels within 10 days. Moreover, patients in the control arm received the standard of care in the form of pharmacological treatment but did not receive either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) or a sham (placebo) procedure. Conclusions: The trial showed that ST is an effective treatment for the management of pain due to head and neck and thoracic cancer. On the basis of this study, the use of ST for the management of refractory cancer pain in head and neck and thoracic cancer is recommended. Key words: Calmare Therapy, cancer pain, noninvasive pain treatment, numerical rating scale, opioids, RCT, scrambler therapy, TENS

Transdermal opioids for cancer pain control in patients with renal impairment

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Melilli, MD ◽  
Boaz Gedaliahu Samolsky Dekel, MD, PhD, MA ◽  
Catia Frenquelli, MD ◽  
Rita Mellone, MD ◽  
Franco Pannuti, MD
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Renal Impairment ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Opioid Dose ◽  
Rescue Dose

Objectives: As guidelines for opioid use in renal-impaired patients with cancer are limited, the authors sought to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability, of transdermal buprenorphine for moderate/severe cancer pain in renal-impaired outpatients.Methods: In a prospective parallel-group active-controlled study, n = 42 consecutively recruited outpatients with or without renal impairment (serum creatinine >=1.3 or <=1.2 mg/dL, respectively) were treated with transdermal buprenorphine (group BUP) or fentanyl (group FEN), respectively. Patients were followed up, at home, by the nonprofit ANT-Italia-foundation physicians in Bologna, Italy. Measurements at 10 (T1), 30 (T2), and 90 (T3) days after enrollment (T0) were pain intensity (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS]), Karnofski score, opioid dose (µg/h), rescue-dose consumption, and occurrence of adverse effects. Patients recorded subjective measurements in a personal diary. Upon data analysis, investigators were blinded to the patient group.Results: At T0, in groups BUP and FEN, median NRS score was 8.0 (CI, 7.4-8.4); its reduction over time (T3; NRS = 3.0; CI, 2.1-3.8 and 2.0-4.0, respectively) was significant and constant in both groups (t-test; T0-T1, T1-T2, and T2-T3; p < 0.0001, p < 0.001, and p < 0.05, respectively). At all times, there were no significant differences in pain scores between the groups. In all evaluations, adverse effects were reported n = 73/126 times (60.8 percent) and showed no significant association (χ2, p > 0.05) with the study groups. Conclusions: Transdermal buprenorphine, in outpatients with cancer and renal impairment, is as effective, safe, and tolerable as fentanyl in patients without such impairment. These results add further evidence to the notion that buprenorphine, with its peculiar pharmacokinetics, may be an appropriate choice for opioid treatment in patients with renal impairment.

Opioid titration with sustained-release oxycodone and immediate-release morphine for moderate/severe cancer pain: A pilot assessment of the CoDem protocol

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boaz Gedaliahu Samolsky Dekel, MD, PhD, MA ◽  
Marco Tomasi, MD ◽  
Alessio Vasarri, MD ◽  
Alberto Gori, MD ◽  
Marco Adversi, MD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Sustained Release ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Immediate Release ◽  
Rescue Dose ◽  
Numerical Rating ◽  
Strong Opioids

Objectives: Opioid titration is the first challenging stage for rapid control of moderate/severe cancer pain. Evidence shows that sustained-release formulations may be used for opioid titration. We set a pilot assessment of the efficacy and tolerability of our in-house protocol (continuous and on demand opioids [CoDem]) of the association of sustained-release oxycodone and immediate-release morphine as rescue dose for opioid titration/rotation in opioid-naïve (NAOP, n = 13), tolerant to weak (WOP, n = 20), or strong opioids (STOP, n = 44) in-patients with moderate/severe cancer pain.Methods: Observational and retrospective analysis of cancer in-patients treated for ≥7 days with the CoDem protocol.Outcome measures: Pain intensity (patients self-reported pain with numerical rating scale [NRS] under static [NRSs] and dynamic [NRSd] conditions), amount of drug consumption, opioid adverse effects, and patient satisfaction.Efficacy endpoints: In more than 50 percent of the patients and in <72 hours, steady NRSs and NRSd score reduction of at least two points, NRSs ≤ 3 and NRSd ≤4; and mean daily morphine consumption < mean of one rescue dose and t1:t6 ratio of mean oxycodone daily dose < 1:2.Results: Endpoints were reached within 24 hours both within the sample and subgroups. Only NAOP patients reached NRSd ≤ 4 endpoint within 48 hours. Against moderate and transient adverse effects, most patients (84.4 percent) found pain treatment to be good or excellent.Conclusions: The CoDem protocol was shown to be effective and reasonably tolerated for titration for moderate/severe cancer pain relief in both opioid-naïve or opioid-tolerant cancer in-patients. This pilot assessment warrants prospective and comparative studies with larger samples for more generalized results.

Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) versus non-PCA intravenous hydromorphone titration for severe cancer pain: A randomized, controlled, multicenter, phase III trial, HMORCT09-1.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. TPS11635-TPS11635
Author(s):  
Rongbo Lin ◽  
Jinfeng Zhu ◽  
Shuitu Feng ◽  
Sunzhi Lin ◽  
Jianqian Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Pain Score ◽  
Pain Control ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Opioid Tolerance ◽  
Self Administration ◽  
Opioid Dose

TPS11635 Background: The opioid dose for an individual with cancer pain to provide adequate relief of pain with an acceptable degree of side effects is variable. Opioid titration is a process to obtain the tailored dose. Conventional titration is administered by a clinician or nurse. PCA is that patients control cancer pain by self-administration of intravenous opioids using programmable pump. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of PCA titration versus conventional titration intravenously for severe cancer pain (10-point numerical rating scale, NRS ≥ 7). Injectable Hydromorphone was selected as pharmaceutical analgesics, which works as well as morphine and oxycodone and had similar side effects. Methods: This is currently enrolling patients (n=230) with severe cancer pain during previous 24 hours. Patients are randomized 1:1 and stratified by opioid intolerance or opioid tolerance into PCA or non-PCA titration. PCA titration using programmable pump: bolus hydromorphone at 0.5mg (for opioid intolerance) or hydromorphone dose equivalent to 10% to 20% of the total opioid taken in the previous 24 hours with a lockout time 15 minutes (for opioid tolerance) was administered by the patients educated. No basal infusion was set in the pump. Non-PCA titration administered by a nurse or clinician: Initial hydromorphone doses were same with PCA titration. Reassess pain at 15 minutes. Increased dose of hydromorphone by 50%-100% if pain unchanged or increased, or repeat same dose if pain decreased to NRS 4-6, or continue at current effective dose as needed over initial 24 hours. The primary endpoint is the time needed to successful titration was defined the time from the first dose of hydromorphone after randomization to achieve satisfied pain control. The satisfied pain control was defined NRS pain score ≤ 3 at rest in at least 2 consecutive assessment (15 minutes interval). The time needed to successful titration was extended to achieve satisfied pain control again if NRS pain score ≥ 7 after satisfied pain control within 24 hours. The failure of successful titration was defined that satisfied pain control does not achieve within 24 hours. Secondary endpoints include the percentage of patients titrated successfully, the mean NRS pain score of 24 hours, the total dose of hydromorphone titrated, and adverse events. Clinical trial information: NCT03375515.

High revision rates with the metal-on-metal Motec carpometacarpal joint prosthesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 322-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Thillemann ◽  
T. M. Thillemann ◽  
B. Munk ◽  
K. Krøner
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Revision Rate ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Consecutive Series ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Thumb Carpometacarpal

We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series of 42 Motec thumb carpometacarpal total joint arthroplasties. The primary endpoint was revision with implant removal and trapeziectomy. At follow-up the disability of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) score, pain on numerical rating scale at rest and with activity and serum chrome and cobalt concentrations were assessed for both unrevised and revised patients. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, 17 patients had been revised. The 2 year cumulative revision rate was 42% (95% CI, 28–60%). The DASH score and pain scores at rest and with activity were comparable between the patients whose thumbs remained unrevised and those revised. Patients with elevated serum chrome and cobalt levels had significantly higher DASH and pain scores, but elevated levels were not associated with revision. The revision rate in this study is unacceptably high. However, pain and DASH scores after revision are acceptable and comparable with patients with non-revised implants. Level of evidence: IV

scholarly journals Percutaneous Osteoplasty under Fluoroscopy and Cone-Beam CT guidance for Painful Sternal Metastases

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xun-wei Liu ◽  
Zhi-guo Wang ◽  
Jin Peng ◽  
Gang Sun
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Cone Beam Ct ◽  
Tumor Location ◽  
Cone Beam ◽  
Ct Guidance ◽  
Numerical Rating ◽  
Cement Distribution ◽  
Painful Bone Metastases

Abstract Background: Although percutaneous osteoplasty (POP) has been widely accepted and is now being performed for the treatment of painful bone metastases outside the spine, there are only scarced reports regarding osteoplasty in painful sternal metastases.Case presentation: The paper reported four patients with painful sternal metastasis who underwent POP under fluoroscopic and cone-beam CT guidance. The patients were three men and one woman (mean age, 66.25 years). Primary tumor location in lung is 3 cases, in thyroid is 1 case. In these cases, Pain was measured using a numerical rating scale (NRS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable). The scores on the NRS in the four patients before POP were 9, 8, 8, and 9. After POP, the NRS scores decreased to 2, 3, 2, and 2, respectively, in follow-up at 6 months. Conclusions: POP is a safe and effective treatment for pain caused by metastatic bone tumors in the sternum. However, care and at tention should be paid to the insertion of a needle and cement distribution for better treatment effect

Tailoring of neurosurgical ablative procedures in the management of refractory cancer pain

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (9) ◽  
pp. 696-701
Author(s):  
Uri Hochberg ◽  
Asaf Berger ◽  
Miri Atias ◽  
Rotem Tellem ◽  
Ido Strauss
Keyword(s):  
Pain Relief ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Spinothalamic Tract ◽  
Pain Syndromes ◽  
Intractable Cancer Pain ◽  
Ablative Procedures

IntroductionNeurosurgical ablative procedures can offer immediate and effective pain relief for patients suffering from refractory cancer pain. However, choosing the appropriate procedure for each patient may not be straightforward and warrants an interdisciplinary approach. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with cancer who were carefully selected for neurosurgical intervention by a dedicated interdisciplinary team composed of a palliative physician and nurse practitioner, a pain specialist and a neurosurgeon.MethodsA retrospective review was carried out on all patients who underwent neurosurgical ablative procedures in our institute between March 2015 and September 2019. All patients had advanced metastatic cancer with unfavorable prognosis and suffered from intractable oncological pain. Each treatment plan was devised to address the patients’ specific pain syndromes.ResultsA total of 204 patients were examined by our service during the study period. Sixty-four patients with localized pain and nineteen patients with diffuse pain syndromes were selected for neurosurgical interventions, either targeted disconnection of the spinothalamic tract or stereotactic cingulotomy. Substantial pain relief was reported by both groups immediately (cordotomy: Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) 9 ≥1, p=0.001, cingulotomy: NRS 9 ≥2, p=0.001) and maintained along the next 3-month follow-up visits.ConclusionsAn interdisciplinary collaboration designated to provide neurosurgical ablative procedures among carefully selected patients could culminate in substantial relief of intractable cancer pain.Trial registration numberIR0354-17.

Long-term Outcomes of Silastic Arthroplasty of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Hand ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 155894471987884
Author(s):  
Charles A. Cefalu ◽  
Philip E. Blazar ◽  
Barry P. Simmons ◽  
Brandon E. Earp
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Metacarpophalangeal Joint ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Academic Center ◽  
End Stage ◽  
Implant Dislocation ◽  
Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Background: Silastic metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty (SMPA) has proven to be a durable option for end-stage arthritis in the non-thumb digits, while fusion has been the mainstay procedure for the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MP). Few studies exist to comment on the viability of thumb MP arthroplasty. This study reports both survival and objective outcomes following SMPA of the thumb. Methods: In an institutional review board-approved retrospective study, we identified 18 patients who underwent thumb SMPA at a tertiary academic center by 3 board-certified hand surgeons. Primary outcome measures were implant survival and post-operative complications. Secondary outcomes measures were quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) scores, brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ), and postoperative pain as rated by the numerical rating scale. Results: Mean quickDASH and bMHQ scores at final follow-up were 35.6 and 70.6, respectively. The most common short-term complication was clinical deformity, followed by instability. The sole long-term complication was an implant dislocation in a previously asymptomatic patient. All patients reported reduction in pain. Three patients were indicated for revision surgery, 2 for persistent instability, and 1 for implant dislocation. Primary survivorship was 83% at mean follow-up of 5.8 years. Conclusions: Thumb SMPA is a viable option for end-stage arthritis. Pain relief in our series was unanimous. Among those that reported persistent symptoms or required revision, a majority had one or more key preoperative risk factors for failure as currently reported in literature. Larger, prospective series are needed to prove superior longevity and functional outcomes of thumb SMPA versus fusion.

scholarly journals Association between intermittent low-back pain and superior cluneal nerve entrapment neuropathy

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-267 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasuhiro Chiba ◽  
Toyohiko Isu ◽  
Kyongsong Kim ◽  
Naotaka Iwamoto ◽  
Daijiro Morimoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Back Pain ◽  
Back Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Symptom Relief ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Entrapment Neuropathy ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Lumbar Extension

OBJECT Superior cluneal nerve (SCN) entrapment neuropathy (SCNEN) is a cause of low-back pain (LBP) that can be misdiagnosed as a lumbar spine disorder. The clinical features and etiology of LBP remain poorly understood. In this study, 5 patients with intermittent LBP due to SCNEN who had previously received conservative treatment underwent surgery. The findings are reported and the etiology of LBP is discussed to determine whether it is attributable to SCNEN. METHODS Intermittent LBP is defined as a clinical condition in which pain is induced by standing or walking but is absent at rest. Between April 2012 and March 2013, 5 patients in this study who had intermittent LBP due to SCNEN underwent surgery. The patients included 3 men and 2 women, with a mean age of 66 years. The affected side was unilateral in 2 patients and bilateral in 3 (total sites, 8). The interval from symptom onset to treatment averaged 51.4 months; the mean postoperative follow-up period was 17.6 months. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the numerical rating scale (NRS) for LBP, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale, and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ) preoperatively and at the last follow-up; these data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS None of the 5 patients reported LBP at rest. Intermittent LBP involving the iliac crest and buttocks was induced by standing or walking an average of 136 m. In 2 patients with unilateral involvement, LBP was improved only by SCN block. Surgeries were performed on 6 sites in 5 patients because the SCN block was only transiently effective. Patients’ SCNs penetrated the orifice of the thoracolumbar fascia. SCN kinking at the orifice was exacerbated at the lumbar-extension provocation posture, and radiating pain increased upon manual intraoperative compression of the SCN in this posture. After releasing the SCN surgically, disappearance of the pain was intraoperatively confirmed by manual compression of the SCN with the patients in the lumbar-extension posture. Surgery was effective in all 5 patients, and all clinical outcome scores indicated significant improvement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of patients with intermittent LBP due to SCNEN. Clinical and surgical evidence presented suggests that their LBP was exacerbated by lumbar extension and that symptom relief was obtained by SCN block or surgical release of the SCN entrapment. These results suggest that SCNEN should be considered as a causal factor in patients for whom walking elicits LBP.

scholarly journals The Role of Testosterone Supplemental Therapy in Opioid-Induced Hypogonadism: A Retrospective Pilot Analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1208-1213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omer A. Raheem ◽  
Sunil H. Patel ◽  
David Sisul ◽  
Tim J. Furnish ◽  
Tung-Chin Hsieh
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Numerical Rating Scale ◽  
Opioid Therapy ◽  
Total Testosterone ◽  
Chronic Noncancer Pain ◽  
Numerical Rating ◽  
Noncancer Pain ◽  
Supplemental Therapy

Chronic opioid therapy for pain management is known to induce several endocrine changes. The authors examined the effect of testosterone supplemental therapy (TST) in patients with chronic, noncancer pain undergoing opioid therapy. It was hypothesized that treatment of opioid-induced hypogonadism (OIH) can reduce opioid requirements in patients suffering from chronic pain and approve their quality of life. Over 18 months period, patients with OIH were identified in a tertiary referral pain center, Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores and daily morphine equivalent dose (MED) were the primary outcomes measured. Data were collected and comparative analysis performed between men undergoing TST versus nontreatment group. Twenty-seven OIH patients (total testosterone <300 ng/dL) were identified during the study period. TST group consists of 11 patients, while non-TST group consists of 16 patients as control cohort. Mean patient age (55 and 54.4, p = .4) and basic metabolic index (28.5 and 31.9, p = .07) in TST and non-TST groups, respectively. Mean follow-up total testosterone (ng/dL) was significantly higher after TST compared with the non-TST group (497.5 vs. 242.4 ng/dL, p = .03). Median follow-up NRS was 0 and 2 in the TST and non-TST groups ( p = .02). Mean MED (mg) decreased by 21 mg in TST group and increased by 2.5 mg in non-TST group ( p < .05). This study reports that treatment of OIH with TST can reduce opioid requirements in men with chronic pain as quantified by MED. It also confirms previous reports on the potential effects of OIH and that TST is effective in correcting opioid-induced endocrine abnormalities.

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