Pain research & management : the journal of the Canadian Pain Society = journal de la société canadienne pour le traitement de la douleur
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Clinical Trial
Intrathecal infusions for intractable cancer pain: a qualitative study of the impact on a case series of patients and caregivers.
The need for intrathecal infusion in a palliative care setting is infrequent. Despite established efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness, this is considered an 'extraordinary measure' in Canada. Patients requiring this approach are not typical palliative care patients, having shorter and more uncertain life expectancies. ⋯ Implanted intrathecal infusion devices are a necessary part of a tertiary level cancer pain management service for the unfortunate minority with intractable pain. Practical recommendations for care are made for palliative care programs contemplating offering intrathecal infusions.
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There are few reports of the use of the lidocaine 5% patch (L5%P) for neuropathic pain (NP) in the cancer patient. Within a comprehensive cancer centre, L5%P has been prescribed by the Pain and Palliative Care Service (Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) for selected patients with NP since 2001. ⋯ The present data support trials of L5%P for cancer patients with NP syndromes associated with allodynia.