Current treatment options in oncology
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Curr Treat Options Oncol · Feb 2021
ReviewInsights into the Use of Peripherally Acting μ-Opioid Receptor Antagonists (PAMORAs) in Oncologic Patients: from Scientific Evidence to Real Clinical Practice.
Management of chronic pain is crucial to improve the quality of life of cancer and palliative care patients. Opioid-based treatments used to control pain can be prolonged over time. Unfortunately, constipation is one of the most disturbing adverse effects of long-term use of opioids. ⋯ Peripherally acting μ-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORAs) have recently emerged as new effective drugs for OIC management due to their specific binding to enteric μ-receptors. Little information is available on the use of PAMORAs in real-life practice for OIC treatment in cancer patients. In this paper, a panel of experts specializing in cancer and palliative care pools their clinical experience with PAMORAs in cancer patients presenting OIC and highlights the importance of timing and choice of therapy in achieving prompt OIC management and benefitting patients.