Treatment of breakthrough cancer pain: to titrate or to proportionate?

Abstract

Breakthrough cancer pain can be treated effectively by rapid-onset opioids, such as sublingual fentanyl. However, it remained unclear how the optimal dose of sublingual fentanyl should be determined. Dosing proportional to basic opioid regimen is now proposed as an alternative to dose titration.

Key words::

• Breakthrough cancer pain
• Fentanyl
• Pain
• Rapid-onset formulation

Transparency

Declaration of funding

The author received no payment in preparation of this manuscript.

Declaration of financial/other relationships

G.H.H. has disclosed that he has no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this editorial.

CMRO peer reviewers may have received honoraria for their review work. The peer reviewers on this manuscript have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.