Journal List > Korean J Gastroenterol > v.74(2) > 1130839

Choe and Hyun: Relief of Cancer Pain in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Pancreatic cancer is a dismal disease with a poor prognosis and is one of the most painful malignancies. Therefore, adequate pain control is essential to improving the patient's quality of life. Pain in pancreatic cancer has complex pathophysiologic mechanisms and different characteristics. The choice of pain management modalities should be individualized depending on the pain characteristics using a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment options available include medical treatment, chemotherapy, celiac plexus/ganglion neurolysis, radiotherapy, and endoscopic technique. This review discusses the medical and interventional options, leading to optimal pain management in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

Pain scores and documentation of pain.

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Fig. 2

Treatment algorithm for pain management in pancreatic cancer. AAP, acetaminophen; NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; TCAs, tricyclic antidepressants; NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate.

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Fig. 3

Analgesic ladder was designed by the World Health Organization.37 AAP, acetaminophen; NSAIDs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

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Notes

Financial support None.

Conflict of interest None.

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Jong Jin Hyun
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5632-7091

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