The War on Cancer Pain: New Battles

Judith A. Paice, PhD, RN

Director, Cancer Pain Program
Division of Hematology-Oncology
Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL.

More effective surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiologic therapies for cancer have increased overall survival rates. Some of the newer chemotherapeutic agents, including vinca alkaloids, platinum-based drugs, taxanes, and epothilones, are associated with significant toxicities, however, at times causing painful peripheral neuropathies and other syndromes. Treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy has become one of the most challenging areas of cancer pain management. While neuroprotective agents have shown some promise in preclinical trials, their efficacy has yet to be demonstrated in well-designed human studies. Symptomatic management often relies on antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and opioids, despite mixed results from randomized, controlled trials. Here, Dr. Paice discusses potential approaches to preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, as well as the nurse’s role in communicating with cancer survivors and assessing outcomes over the long term.

References

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