학술논문
Methadone as First-line Opioid for the Management of Cancer Pain
Original Article
Original Article
Document Type
Academic Journal
Author
Source
The Oncologist. April 2022, Vol. 27 Issue 4, p323, 5 p.
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
1083-7159
Abstract
Implications for Practice Methadone initiated at low doses in opioid-naive patients or those receiving low doses of opioids are effective and highly tolerated. The tendency to develop tolerance seems to [...]
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of methadone when used as first-line therapy in patients that are either receiving low doses of opioids or none. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer were prospectively assessed. Opioid-naive patients (L-group) were started with methadone at 6 mg/ day. Patients receiving weak or other opioids in doses of Results: Eighty-two patients were assessed. In both groups H and L, there were significant changes in pain and symptom intensity at the different times during the study. Adverse effects as causes of drop-out were minimal. Mean MEImg was 0.09 (SD 0.28) and 0.02 (SD 0.07) at T30 and T60, respectively. MEI% was 1.01 (SD 3.08) and 0.27 (SD 0.86) at T30 and T60, respectively. Conclusion: Methadone used as a first-line opioid therapy provided good analgesia with limited adverse effects and a minimal opioid-induced tolerance. Key words: cancer pain; opioids; methadone.
Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and adverse effects of methadone when used as first-line therapy in patients that are either receiving low doses of opioids or none. Methods: Patients with advanced cancer were prospectively assessed. Opioid-naive patients (L-group) were started with methadone at 6 mg/ day. Patients receiving weak or other opioids in doses of Results: Eighty-two patients were assessed. In both groups H and L, there were significant changes in pain and symptom intensity at the different times during the study. Adverse effects as causes of drop-out were minimal. Mean MEImg was 0.09 (SD 0.28) and 0.02 (SD 0.07) at T30 and T60, respectively. MEI% was 1.01 (SD 3.08) and 0.27 (SD 0.86) at T30 and T60, respectively. Conclusion: Methadone used as a first-line opioid therapy provided good analgesia with limited adverse effects and a minimal opioid-induced tolerance. Key words: cancer pain; opioids; methadone.