Management of Cancer Pain: Current Guidelines

STATEMENT OF NEED

Patients with cancer often suffer from a range of symptoms that negatively impact their quality of life. Among the most significant of these symptoms is pain, which can be caused by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, diagnostic procedures, and/or supportive care measures. Between 20% and 50% of patients with cancer experience pain, including moderate-to-severe pain in approximately 80% of patients with advanced-stage cancer (NCI, 2023). Despite awareness and a wide range of intervention options, cancer pain is still often undertreated, and many patients do not obtain complete relief (NCCN, 2023). Therefore, it is crucial to have a multidisciplinary team that can perform a thorough assessment and employ effective strategies for reducing pain. This activity will provide an overview of the pathophysiology of cancer pain and explore emerging concepts in pharmacological management to improve quality of life.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Oncology nurses, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with cancer.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Appraise the pathophysiology of cancer pain and the principles of pain management
Evaluate, assess, and classify patients with cancer pain
Apply emerging concepts in pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of cancer pain