María Dolores López Alarcón, Francisco Villegas Estévez, Jorge Contreras Martínez, Carlos Ferrer Albiach, Jorge Rafael Pastor Peidro, María José Terol Casterá, Ignacio Velázquez Rivera
{"title":"Consensus on the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Breakthrough Cancer Pain (BTcP), Including Procedural BTcP: DIOPRO Study.","authors":"María Dolores López Alarcón, Francisco Villegas Estévez, Jorge Contreras Martínez, Carlos Ferrer Albiach, Jorge Rafael Pastor Peidro, María José Terol Casterá, Ignacio Velázquez Rivera","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2546104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2546104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To develop consensus recommendations for improving the diagnosis and treatment of breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP), including procedural BTcP, the opinions of 107 medical experts in managing patients with cancer in Spain were collected using a two-round Delphi method. Consensus was assessed for 76 items using a Likert scale (1-9). Agreement was reached when the median (MED) score was ≥ 7 and the interquartile range (IQR) ≤ 3, while disagreement was considered when MED was ≤ 3 and IQR was ≤ 3. Consensus was reached on 90% of the statements. Experts agreed on the main characteristics of BTcP, which may have a variable number of episodes per day and occur in patients with opioid-controlled background pain. There was resounding agreement on the need to evaluate pain severity, both background and breakthrough cancer pain, in patients with cancer, involving adequately trained physicians and nursing staff. Procedural BTcP, a subtype of BTcP, is common in cancer diagnosis and/or treatment procedures. For this, premedication with an appropriate fast-acting, short-duration drug is necessary. These findings highlight the need for standardized protocols and specific training to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from BTcP, including procedural BTcP, and the efficiency of healthcare resource management.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144873687","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}
Jessica B Emshoff, Kolby Verrona, Ashley Conger, Richard Chan
{"title":"Ketamine as an Adjunct Therapy for Refractory Cancer Pain: A Case Report.","authors":"Jessica B Emshoff, Kolby Verrona, Ashley Conger, Richard Chan","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2546101","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2546101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adequate analgesia in patients with advanced cancer can pose a significant clinical challenge, particularly when refractory to conventional opioid-based therapies. Refractory cancer pain, characterized by inadequate relief despite optimized opioid regimens or intolerable side effects, often prompts alternative treatments to improve patient's quality of life. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, may represent a useful adjunctive therapy due to its unique analgesic properties and potential to mitigate opioid tolerance and hyperalgesia. While traditionally recognized for its anesthetic and dissociative effects, low-dose, subanesthetic ketamine can be useful in palliative care to manage severe, intractable pain. This article reviews the unique pharmacologic properties of ketamine and describes a case report recounting ketamine use in a patient with refractory cancer pain, highlighting therapeutic potential and clinical implications in the palliative setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144821663","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":"Among Malignancies and Loss.","authors":"Tarek Zieneldien","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2545218","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2545218","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-2"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144799434","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}
Cindy T Nguyen, Kathryn Barrett, Piyush Gupta, Ryan Winstead
{"title":"Pharmacological Challenges in Short Gut Syndrome and Pain Management: A Case Series and Review of Literature.","authors":"Cindy T Nguyen, Kathryn Barrett, Piyush Gupta, Ryan Winstead","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2538516","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2538516","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Short gut syndrome presents multiple unique challenges in pain management and orally delivered medications. The removal or reduction of gastrointestinal sites of absorption, high-output states, and inability to absorb oral medications often limit pain management strategies. We report our experiences caring for individuals with short gut syndrome and share the challenges and strategies we have utilized to optimize pain control for our patients. Case 1 describes a 49-year-old male with an extensive history of abdominal surgery leading to chronic abdominal pain requiring alternative routes of administration and utilization of unique pharmacology considerations to optimize oral absorption and pain control. Case 2 describes a 68-year-old female with cancer-related pain, which required high opioid requirements and utilization of opioids with unique mechanisms of action for complex pain syndromes. We will include potential management strategies described in the cases and conclude with pharmacokinetic considerations for various drug therapy options in pain management.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144731876","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":"A Novel Technique for Indwelling Pigtail Catheter Placement in the Management of Ascites in Ovarian Carcinoma: A Case Report.","authors":"Himanshu Varshney, Prashant Sirohiya","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2534905","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2534905","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recurrent malignant ascites significantly impacts the quality of life in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma, especially those in remote areas with limited healthcare access. Traditional management methods, including repeated paracentesis, present logistical and financial challenges. This case report describes a novel, low-cost method using a subcutaneously placed indwelling pigtail catheter for continuous ascites drainage. The approach provided symptom relief and minimized hospital visits, demonstrating its potential in palliative care.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-3"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698873","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}
Eesha Oza, Yashvi Rateshwar, Aneesha Santhosh, Vinnidhy Dave
{"title":"Emerging Use of Low-Dose Ketamine for Pain Management Beyond the ICU.","authors":"Eesha Oza, Yashvi Rateshwar, Aneesha Santhosh, Vinnidhy Dave","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2532657","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2532657","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pain management is a critical challenge in healthcare as acute and chronic pain affect millions of individuals globally. Opioid-based therapies that were once considered the traditional treatment methods are facing scrutiny due to their limitations and risks, due to which it is evident that an equally effective alternative pain management approach is necessary. Ketamine is a promising solution. Ketamine acts as an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist, and modulates pain pathways at central and peripheral levels, which enables it to address complex pain mechanisms that opioids cannot adequately target. It is a valuable option for patients who are opioid refractory, intolerant, or have insufficient pain relief from standard therapies. While traditionally used in intensive care units (ICUs), ketamine use has been expanded to general inpatient floors at our institution. This article will present a model for implementing a low-dose ketamine protocol for pain management in a community hospital setting, using our experience as a prototype. It will highlight ketamine's pharmacological advantages, safety considerations, and the staff education, logistics, and collaboration necessary for implementation. By pioneering this model in our county, our goal is to provide a model for other community hospitals to adopt.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144667845","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}
Yi-Ching Lee, Emma Zhao, Kenny Kwon Ho Lee, Wei Lee, Alix Dumitrescu, John Loadsman, Robert Sanders, Timothy Brake, Andy Yi-Yang Wang
{"title":"Sublingual Ketamine as Breakthrough Analgesia in Patients with Advanced Cancer-A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Repeated Cross-over Trial.","authors":"Yi-Ching Lee, Emma Zhao, Kenny Kwon Ho Lee, Wei Lee, Alix Dumitrescu, John Loadsman, Robert Sanders, Timothy Brake, Andy Yi-Yang Wang","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2531008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2531008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This pilot study aimed to determine feasibility of a larger definitive study evaluating sublingual ketamine efficacy as first-line breakthrough analgesia for moderate-to-severe pain in advanced cancer. This prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, repeated cross-over trial included patients (≥18 years) with moderate-to-severe pain from advanced cancer requiring opioid analgesia, randomized to weekly-alternating treatment sequences (APAPAP, APAPPA, APPAAP, APPAPA, PAAPAP, PAAPPA, PAPAAP, PAPAPA; A = sublingual ketamine, P = placebo). The primary outcome was attrition rate, measured by completion of two treatment cycles over 12-months. Of 64 patients referred, 29 were randomized, 11 received intervention. The pre-determined criterion of 24 patients completing 2-cycles over 12-months was not met. Most patients perceived receiving active drugs in placebo (0.71) and active (0.67) periods. Ketamine scored higher than placebo for pain reduction, perceived to be more efficacious than usual breakthrough analgesia, and increased quality-of-life scores. This study design will be infeasible for a larger trial due to a high attrition rate. The patients' inability to discriminate between the placebo versus active medication and the minimal adverse effects suggested that the chosen dose was possibly too low. The potential issue of disease progression over the study period suggests that further target population refinement should be considered.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144618674","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":"Establishing Buprenorphine for Acute Postoperative Pain Management.","authors":"Audrey Abelleira, Thomas R Hickey","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2524688","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2524688","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Opioids continue to be relied on to treat postoperative pain and continue to result in harms ranging from pruritis to overdose. The partial agonist opioid buprenorphine was synthesized in the 1960s as result of a search for a safe and effective opioid analgesic. While formulations of buprenorphine are approved for the treatment of pain, it is more commonly known as a medication for opioid use disorder. However, there is increasing interest in employing buprenorphine as a front-line perioperative opioid analgesic. We review the continued reliance on full agonist opioids and associated harms, highlight key efficacy and safety advantages of buprenorphine compared to usual care opioids, and describe the evolution of our consideration of buprenorphine for acute perioperative pain management. We then describe the process by which we worked within our institution to arrive at a twice daily buccal film and describe the clinical pathway ultimately implemented, providing details on training of staff, order set development, and surgical populations included. Buprenorphine presents a promising opportunity to reduce opioid harms while potentially improving pain outcomes after surgery. Our experience suggests that the buccal formulation possesses unique advantages for perioperative administration. Future directions will inform buprenorphine's impact on key pain and opioid-related outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144575699","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}
Jing Ru Lee, Zi Xin Peh, Mo Yee Chau, Mervyn Yong Hwang Koh
{"title":"The Role of Nebulized Lidocaine in Managing Cough in Lung Cancer in an Inpatient Setting - A Case Series.","authors":"Jing Ru Lee, Zi Xin Peh, Mo Yee Chau, Mervyn Yong Hwang Koh","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2025.2519657","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2025.2519657","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with lung cancer tend to suffer from cough, which is usually managed with antitussives and opioids. Some of these patients develop cough that do not respond to these first line medications. Nebulized lidocaine can be administered to help relieve this distressing symptom. We describe two patients with lung cancer who developed cough despite use of antitussives, opioids and antibiotics (Patient A) in an inpatient hospice. Both patients responded to the addition of nebulized lidocaine to manage cough. In this paper, we outline clinical considerations for its use in cough.</p>","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"1-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144326006","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":"Correction.","authors":"","doi":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2419784","DOIUrl":"10.1080/15360288.2024.2419784","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16645,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy","volume":" ","pages":"II"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142468188","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}