What to Do and What Not to Do in the Management of Cancer Pain: A Physician Survey and Expert Recommendations

Figures & data

Figure 1 Opioids most frequently used in background pain. Ranked responses to question 8 (n = 30, 30, and 30).

Figure 2 Perceived motivations for inadequate evaluation of BTcP in the literature. Responses to question 10 (multiple responses permitted). BTcP, breakthrough cancer pain.

Figure 3 Phase of disease during which episodes of BTcP manifest most frequently. Ranked responses to question 13 (n = 30, 30, and 28). BTcP, breakthrough cancer pain.

Figure 4 Molecules most commonly employed for BTcP. Responses to question 15 (n = 30, 30, and 25). BTcP, breakthrough cancer pain.

Figure 5 Factors guiding treatment selection for BTcP. Responses to question 16 (n = 30). BTcP, breakthrough cancer pain.

Table 1 What to Do and What Not to Do in the Management of Cancer Pain

5 Things to Do	5 Things Not to Do
Do assess background pain and BTcP from the first visit.	Do not underestimate validated diagnostic instruments specific to background pain and BTcP.
Do incentivize appropriate training about cancer pain to all staff who work with oncological patients.	Do not rely on caregivers for information about a patient’s pain.
Do favor a multidisciplinary approach in the management of patients with cancer pain.	Do not assess pain during the last minutes of a visit.
Do apply new technologies into daily clinical practice for cancer pain management.	Do not delay assessments of cancer pain and responses to treatment.
Do choose an appropriate recommended treatment for oncological pain.	Do not use NSAIDs or corticosteroids for breakthrough pain.