Advances in Cancer Pain Management

Chronic pain is a significant clinical problem among patients suffering with cancer and may result secondary to the primary disease process, metastatic spread of the cancer cells, or because of cancer management. Inadequate pain control in the long term may result in distress, decreased productivity, and increased healthcare costs. Publications in the past few years have shed light on a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms, role of conservative therapies, newer pharmacological and interventional options. Opioids have been the mainstay of cancer pain management for several years, however with increasing awareness of abuse potential, clinicians have recently shifted their focus on multidisciplinary management for patients with chronic cancer pain. In the light of newer evidence and several multi-society guidelines for management of cancer pain, this book chapter aims to review the recently published evidence with respect to pain definitions, role of integrative medicine, analgesic pharmacology, and interventional procedures.