The treatment of cancer pain Book Section

  


Author: Foley, K. M.
Editors: Hughes, R.; Isaacs, S. L.; Meier, D. E.
Article/Chapter Title: The treatment of cancer pain
Abstract: (from the chapter) This reprinted article originally appeared in (New England Journal of Medicine, 1985 [Jul], 313[2], 84-95). (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 1986-17719-001.) In a discussion of medical advances in the management of pain in cancer patients, it is noted that treatment of cancer pain requires specific expertise that includes a knowledge of the clinical pain syndromes that are common in cancer and their pathophysiologic mechanisms, the psychological state of the patient, and the indications and limitations of the available therapeutic approaches. Descriptions of 4 types of acute and chronic cancer pain and clinical descriptions of patients in each category are presented. Therapeutic approaches described include drug therapy (using nonnarcotic, narcotic, and adjuvant drugs), anesthetic approaches, neurosurgical approaches, behavioral techniques, and supportive care. It is reported that while drug therapy is the mainstay of therapy for cancer pain patients, it is often used in combination with other therapeutic approaches. It is asserted that drug therapy techniques require a thorough evaluation of the nature of the pain and the patient's prognosis, an adequate prior trial of analgesic drug therapy and anticancer therapy, and patient's awareness of the potential risks/benefits of the planned procedure. Dosage descriptions and comments regarding analgesic treatment are included. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).
Keywords: treatment; cancer pain; acute & chronic cancer pain
Book Title: Palliative Care: Transforming the Care of Serious Illness
ISBN: 978-0-470-52717-7
Publisher: Jossey Bass Us  
Publication Place: San Francisco, CA
Date Published: 2010-01-01
Start Page: 251
End Page: 275
Language: English
PROVIDER: Ovid Technologies
ACCESSION: Book: 2009-23240-014
PROVIDER: psycinfo
DOI/URL:

http://ovidsp.ovid.com/ovidweb.cgi?T=JS&CSC=Y&NEWS=N&PAGE=fulltext&D=psyc6&AN=2009-23240-014
Notes: Book Chapter: 14 -- "Source: PsycINFO"