Virginia Manetti, Federica Perelli, Emanuele A Fera, Stefano Secchi, Laura Salucci, Eleonora Gemmi, Caterina Stera, Cecilia Pantanelli, Silvio Cantini, Alberto Mattei, Marco Giusti, Giuseppe Vizzielli, Stefano Restaino, Piercarlo Ballo, Duccio Conti
{"title":"Improving Postoperative Acute Pain Management and Accelerating Discharge: The Role of the ERAS Pathway in Overweight Patients Undergoing Endometrial Cancer Surgery.","authors":"Virginia Manetti, Federica Perelli, Emanuele A Fera, Stefano Secchi, Laura Salucci, Eleonora Gemmi, Caterina Stera, Cecilia Pantanelli, Silvio Cantini, Alberto Mattei, Marco Giusti, Giuseppe Vizzielli, Stefano Restaino, Piercarlo Ballo, Duccio Conti","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2666277","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2666277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have increasingly been adopted in gynecologic oncology. This study evaluates their effectiveness in patients undergoing endometrial cancer surgery, focusing on length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative pain, and complications. A retrospective case-control study was conducted on patients treated between January 2019 and December 2024. Fifty patients managed with ERAS (Group 1) were compared with fifty patients treated with traditional care (Group 2). Groups were matched considering the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA-PS) score, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, surgical approach, and age. Key outcomes analyzed were LOS, postoperative pain, analgesic use, and complications. Patients in the ERAS group had a significantly shorter length of stay (LOS) (<i>p</i> < .001), lower pain scores on the numeric rating scale (NRS) at 8, 16, 32, and 48 hours (<i>p</i> < .01-.001), but not at 40 hours (<i>p</i> = .13) at rest, and required fewer opioids (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Additionally, they experienced fewer nausea/vomiting episodes (<i>p</i> = .05). ERAS implementation in endometrial cancer surgery appears to improve recovery, reduce opioid use, and shorten hospitalization without compromising safety. These findings may support ERAS for optimizing perioperative outcomes, especially in overweight patients undergoing endometrial cancer surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"416-424"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147930647","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Rethinking Pediatric Pain Management: A Call for a Socio-Clinical Approach.","authors":"Dhian Gowinda Luh Safitri, Kartika Rinakit Adhe","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2673919","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2673919","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"406-407"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148015629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jonathan Hindmarsh, Emma McDonald, Jonathan Pickard
{"title":"Administering Esomeprazole as a Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion in the Palliative Demographic: A Retrospective Review.","authors":"Jonathan Hindmarsh, Emma McDonald, Jonathan Pickard","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2700281","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2700281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of esomeprazole via continuous subcutaneous infusion, in palliative care patients unable to tolerate oral acid suppression therapy. A retrospective review of 92 prescriptions in 76 patients receiving 24-h esomeprazole via continuous subcutaneous infusion was undertaken. Electronic records were examined for dose, duration, infusion characteristics, site reactions, indications, and symptom outcomes. Across 637 treatment days, esomeprazole was well tolerated, only two patients developed injection site reactions (1%). Symptomatic benefit was observed in over 70% of cases for symptoms relating to dyspepsia, malignant bowel obstruction, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Esomeprazole as a continuous subcutaneous infusion appears safe, feasible, and clinically beneficial. Further prospective studies are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"433-437"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148430743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alice Chang, Danny Basri, Jasmine Jones, Arielle Spurley
{"title":"Survey of Healthcare Professionals' Satisfaction and Perceived Impact on Quality of Care with Pharmacist-Led Pain Management Services.","authors":"Alice Chang, Danny Basri, Jasmine Jones, Arielle Spurley","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2696983","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2696983","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>There is limited research evaluating healthcare professionals' satisfaction with, and perceptions of, pharmacist-led pain management services. To address this gap, a survey was conducted at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center between April to July 2024 to assess respondents' agreement with statements regarding pharmacist involvement, patient care outcomes, resource utilization, and opportunities for improvement. Most respondents reported that pharmacist involvement enhanced patient care by reducing the time required to reach pain management goals and discharge, while also increasing their professional confidence and enabling greater focus on other clinical responsibilities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"558-568"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148421875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Aritra Datta, Simon Erridge, Aditya Mukherjee, Ishita Acharya, Dhruv Vasooja, Uma Anand, Praveen Anand, Mikael H Sodergren
{"title":"Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Aritra Datta, Simon Erridge, Aditya Mukherjee, Ishita Acharya, Dhruv Vasooja, Uma Anand, Praveen Anand, Mikael H Sodergren","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2664668","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2664668","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common and debilitating toxicity of cancer treatment. Effective pharmacological treatments remain limited. Preclinical studies suggest cannabinoids reduce neuropathic pain through modulation of neurotransmission, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. However, clinical evidence in CIPN remains inconclusive. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of cannabis-based medicinal products (CBMPs) for the treatment or prevention of CIPN. A systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE, OVID EMBASE, and OVID MEDLINE was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials assessing CBMPs in adults with CIPN. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two reviewers using Cochrane Risk of Bias 2. Of 1,115 records identified, three double-blind randomized controlled trials with 68 participants and three ongoing trials met inclusion criteria. Interventions included nabiximols, oral cannabidiol, and topical cannabidiol. No study demonstrated improvement in pain or health-related quality of life compared with placebo (<i>p</i> > 0.050). Adverse events were mild to moderate, most commonly fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. Heterogeneity in study design, outcome measures, and follow-up prevented meta-analysis. Current evidence is insufficient to support the routine use of CBMPs for CIPN. Larger, methodologically rigorous trials with standardized outcomes and longer follow-up are required.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"458-473"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147839356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Unrecognized Cause of Chronic Diarrhea: Opioid-Induced Adrenal Insufficiency - A Case Report.","authors":"David Kweku Aseda Donkor, Rejoice Abiodun, Parth Adrejiya, Winston Ugbajah, Cyril Anara","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2725827","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2026.2725827","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Opioid-induced adrenal insufficiency is an underrecognized form of secondary adrenal insufficiency caused by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression and a potential but overlooked cause of chronic diarrhea. We describe a 59-year-old woman with six months of diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, hypotension, and hyponatremia extensively evaluated but unrevealing for gastrointestinal etiology. Biochemical testing confirmed secondary adrenal insufficiency. Medication review revealed prior buprenorphine-naloxone exposure. Hydrocortisone therapy resulted in rapid hemodynamic improvement and resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms. Chronic gastrointestinal complaints are not always gastrointestinal in origin and should prompt consideration of endocrine etiologies, particularly in patients with opioid exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-5"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148865543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eva Gravdahl, Solveig Torvund, Olav Magnus Fredheim
{"title":"Acid-Suppressive Therapy in Inoperable Malignant Bowel Obstruction: A Systematic Review of the Available Evidence.","authors":"Eva Gravdahl, Solveig Torvund, Olav Magnus Fredheim","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2721404","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2026.2721404","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common and distressing complication in advanced cancer. Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently used as part of multimodal medical management to reduce gastric secretions in MBO. This review aimed to assess whether clinical evidence supports acid‑suppressive therapy for symptom control in inoperable MBO. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Web of Science were searched to May 2024 and updated in February 2026. Studies reporting H2RA or PPI use for symptom management in MBO were eligible. Of 4,610 records identified, 20 studies met inclusion criteria. Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case series, guidelines, and narrative reviews. No trial specifically evaluated the contribution of acid-suppressive therapy to symptom control in MBO. In available trials, H2RAs or PPIs were administered as background therapy in both arms, precluding assessment of their contribution to outcome. Observational data did not demonstrate consistent associations with improved clinical outcomes. Indirect evidence suggests modest reductions in gastric secretions. Despite widespread use and physiological plausibility, benefit has not been established in studies designed to evaluate effectiveness in MBO.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148813218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Topical Menthol Cream for Refractory Localized Neuropathic Pain: A Multicenter Retrospective Study.","authors":"Erwan Treillet, Marie Hélène Delmotte, Yacine Hadjiat, Nathan Moreau, Dubois Jacqueline, Massimo Lodi, Laure Serresse, Grégoire Oudot","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2709501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2026.2709501","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To assess the real-world effectiveness and tolerability of stepwise titration with compounded topical menthol in refractory localized neuropathic pain. We conducted a multicenter retrospective chart review in two French pain centers between March 2022 and September 2023. Adults with localized neuropathic pain, baseline pain intensity >4/10, DN4 ≥ 4, and previous treatment failure or intolerance received pharmacy-compounded menthol cream titrated from 1% to 10% over approximately 60 days. The primary endpoint was responder rate at the final concentration used, defined as ≥30% reduction in numerical rating scale pain intensity and/or ≥30% self-reported pain relief. Twenty-one patients were analyzed; 76% were women and 71% had chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Mean pain intensity decreased from 6.83 at baseline to 4.82 at 10%, with significant improvement from 3% onward. At 10%, 12/21 patients met the response criterion. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with mostly mild transient local adverse effects. Progressively titrated topical menthol up to 10% may be a practical, accessible, and well-tolerated option for refractory localized neuropathic pain when systemic therapies are ineffective or poorly tolerated. These exploratory findings support titration-based use and warrant randomized placebo-controlled studies to confirm efficacy, refine dosing, and identify responder phenotypes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794512","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vincent Arcani, Nicolas Fabresse, Guillaume Hache, Anne Donnet
{"title":"Reduced Codeine Analgesic Efficacy Associated with Nicardipine in a Patient with Medication-Overuse Headache: A Case Report.","authors":"Vincent Arcani, Nicolas Fabresse, Guillaume Hache, Anne Donnet","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2719868","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2026.2719868","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Codeine is a prodrug opioid whose analgesic efficacy depends on its bioactivation into morphine via cytochrome P450 2D6. Its use in migraine is discouraged because of limited efficacy, tolerance, and the risk of medication-overuse headache. Drug-drug interactions affecting its metabolism may further compromise pain control. We report the case of a 72-year-old man with chronic migraine and daily codeine use. A pharmacist-led medication review identified a potential pharmacokinetic interaction between codeine and extended-release nicardipine. Plasma concentrations of codeine and its metabolites were measured before and after codeine intake under nicardipine treatment and three months after substitution with candesartan. The fold increase in morphine-glucuronide concentration between baseline and peak rose from 1.6 with nicardipine to 3.5 after discontinuation, consistent with restored codeine bioactivation. This case highlights a clinically relevant interaction between nicardipine and codeine leading to reduced opioid efficacy. Beyond tolerance and medication-overuse headache, pharmacokinetic interactions should be systematically considered in patients with refractory pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Suvorexant Prescription-Record Rates After a Palliative Care Pocket Manual Revision: A Single-Centre Interrupted Time Series Study.","authors":"Shinya Kajiura, Nobukazu Ryu, Shingo Chikaoka, Yuta Yagi, Naohiko Nakamura, Atsushi Kato, Ryuji Hayashi","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2026.2718165","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2026.2718165","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To examine whether a palliative care pocket manual revision suggesting suvorexant for nocturnal awakening was associated with changes in suvorexant prescription-record rates. We conducted a single-center retrospective interrupted time series study at a Toyama University Hospital using weekly prescription records for suvorexant (15 mg and 20 mg tablets combined). Prescription records, not unique patients, were analyzed with segmented negative binomial regression using an offset for days per week. The manual was updated on 16 May 2025; the first post-implementation week was 19 May 2025. The primary all-hospital series included 105 wk and 3,927 records. The immediate level change was in the direction of increase but statistically uncertain (IRR 1.34, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.05; <i>p</i> = 0.177), with no slope change (IRR per week 1.00, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.02; <i>p</i> = 0.888). Outpatient prescription-record rates showed a modest immediate increase (IRR 1.38, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.90; <i>p</i> = 0.043), whereas inpatient estimates were imprecise. Outpatient sensitivity analyses reduced statistical clarity. This local pharmacotherapy guidance revision coincided mainly with a secondary outpatient prescribing signal. Causality, clinical utility, and patient outcomes cannot be inferred.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}