Evaluating pregabalin in cancer patients with chronic neuropathic pain and depression: an observational case series.

IF 2.6 Q3 ONCOLOGY

World journal of clinical oncology Pub Date : 2025-04-24 DOI:10.5306/wjco.v16.i4.104827

Pinaki Chakraborty, Mrinal Borgohain

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Chronic neuropathic pain and depression are common and debilitating conditions in cancer patients, significantly impacting their quality of life. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant medication, is used for neuropathic pain and may also influence depressive symptoms. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of pregabalin on pain intensity, depression severity, and side effects in cancer patients with chronic neuropathic pain and depression.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of pregabalin on pain intensity, depression severity, and the safety profile in cancer patients with chronic neuropathic pain and depression.

Methods: This observational case series included 10 cancer patients experiencing chronic neuropathic pain and depression. Pregabalin was administered at a starting dose of 150 mg twice daily, with adjustments based on patient tolerance and pain response up to 300 mg twice daily. Pain intensity and depression severity were assessed using the brief pain inventory (BPI) and the Hamilton depression rating scale (HDRS) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Side effects were monitored using a self-reported side effect questionnaire.

Results: Pregabalin led to a significant reduction in pain intensity and depression severity. The mean BPI score decreased from 7.8 (SD = 1.2) at baseline to 5.2 (SD = 1.4) at 4 weeks and 4.1 (SD = 1.5) at 8 weeks, representing reductions of 33.3% and 47.4%, respectively. The mean HDRS score decreased from 18.5 (SD = 4.0) at baseline to 13.2 (SD = 4.1) at 4 weeks and 9.8 (SD = 3.6) at 8 weeks, showing reductions of 28.4% and 47.0%, respectively. Side effects included dizziness (50%), drowsiness (40%), weight gain (30%), and dry mouth (20%). No severe adverse effects were reported. All patients completed the study, with 30% requiring dose adjustments.

Conclusion: Pregabalin significantly alleviates both chronic neuropathic pain and depression in cancer patients with a manageable safety profile. These findings support the use of pregabalin in this patient population, though further research with larger samples and controlled designs is warranted.

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评估普瑞巴林在慢性神经性疼痛和抑郁症癌症患者中的作用：观察性病例系列。

背景：慢性神经性疼痛和抑郁是癌症患者常见的衰弱性疾病，严重影响其生活质量。普瑞巴林是一种抗惊厥药物，用于神经性疼痛，也可能影响抑郁症状。本研究评估普瑞巴林对慢性神经性疼痛和抑郁的癌症患者疼痛强度、抑郁严重程度和副作用的疗效和安全性。目的：评价普瑞巴林对慢性神经性疼痛伴抑郁的癌症患者疼痛强度、抑郁严重程度及安全性的影响。方法：本观察性病例系列包括10例患有慢性神经性疼痛和抑郁症的癌症患者。普瑞巴林的起始剂量为150mg，每日两次，根据患者耐受性和疼痛反应进行调整，最高剂量为300mg，每日两次。在基线、4周和8周时，采用简短疼痛量表（BPI）和汉密尔顿抑郁评定量表（HDRS）评估疼痛强度和抑郁严重程度。使用自我报告的副作用问卷来监测副作用。结果：普瑞巴林可显著减轻疼痛强度和抑郁严重程度。平均BPI评分从基线时的7.8 （SD = 1.2）下降到4周时的5.2 （SD = 1.4）和8周时的4.1 (SD = 1.5)，分别下降了33.3%和47.4%。平均HDRS评分从基线时的18.5分（SD = 4.0）下降到4周时的13.2分（SD = 4.1）和8周时的9.8分（SD = 3.6），分别下降28.4%和47.0%。副作用包括头晕（50%）、嗜睡（40%）、体重增加（30%）和口干（20%）。没有严重的不良反应报告。所有患者都完成了研究，其中30%需要调整剂量。结论：普瑞巴林可显著缓解癌症患者的慢性神经性疼痛和抑郁，且安全性可控。这些发现支持普瑞巴林在这一患者群体中的使用，尽管需要进一步的更大样本和对照设计研究。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

World journal of clinical oncology ONCOLOGY-

自引率

0.00%

发文量

585

期刊介绍： The WJCO is a high-quality, peer reviewed, open-access journal. The primary task of WJCO is to rapidly publish high-quality original articles, reviews, editorials, and case reports in the field of oncology. In order to promote productive academic communication, the peer review process for the WJCO is transparent; to this end, all published manuscripts are accompanied by the anonymized reviewers’ comments as well as the authors’ responses. The primary aims of the WJCO are to improve diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities and the skills of clinicians and to guide clinical practice in oncology. Scope: Art of Oncology, Biology of Neoplasia, Breast Cancer, Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer-Related Complications, Diagnosis in Oncology, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Genetic Testing For Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Hematologic Malignancy, Lung Cancer, Melanoma, Molecular Oncology, Neurooncology, Palliative and Supportive Care, Pediatric Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Translational Oncology, and Urologic Oncology.