Korean J Gastroenterol.  2019 Aug;74(2):81-86. 10.4166/kjg.2019.74.2.81.

Relief of Cancer Pain in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer

• Choe JW
• Hyun JJ

• KMID: 2455770
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4166/kjg.2019.74.2.81

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.

Keyword

Pancreatic cancer; Pain management

MeSH Terms

Drug Therapy
Humans
Pain Management
Pancreatic Neoplasms*
Prognosis
Quality of Life
Radiotherapy

Figure

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  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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