Introduction objectives: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is an acute exacerbation of baseline pain. The clinicians involved in its management have different diagnostic and therapeutic criteria.In order to facilitate decision making in usual clinical practice, 8 reference experts from 4 scientific associations involved in the management of patients with cancer pain have developed this Consensus Document.Methods: After an initial search on the most relevant publications in BTcP literature, a set of preliminary recommendations were established. A working meeting was subsequently held with the experts, following the Metaplan® methodology -a structured brainstorming technique-that produced a first version of the Consensus Document which, after several review rounds, was validated by all the participants. Every statement and recommendation was sorted according to its degree of recommendation, following the categories in the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) system.Outcomes: The management of BTcP requires a full anamnesis, both of BTcP itself and of baseline pain, a physical examination and the supplementary tests that are deemed necessary.The drugs of choice for the treatment of BTcP must be those with a potent and rapid analgesic effect a short duration, minimal side effects and easy administration. Transmucosal fentanyl is currently the active ingredient most fitting to the analgesic needs of BTcP, regardless of the major opioid used for control of the baseline pain.Conclusion: This Consensus can be a very useful tool to improve the quality of life in cancer patients, because it guides the clinician towards a better diagnose and treatment of BTcP.
Introduction and objectives: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is an acute exacerbation of baseline pain. The clinicians involved in its management have different diagnostic and therapeutic criteria. In order to facilitate decision making in usual clinical practice, 8 reference experts from 4 scientific associations involved in the management of patients with cancer pain have developed this Consensus Document. Methods: After an initial search on the most relevant publications in BTcP literature, a set of preliminary recommendations were established. A working meeting was subsequently held with the experts, following the Metaplan ® methodology-a structured brainstorming technique-that produced a first version of the Consensus Document which, after several review rounds, was validated by all the participants. Every statement and recommendation was sorted according to its degree of recommendation, following the categories in the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) system. Results: The management of BTcP requires a full anamnesis, both of BTcP itself and of baseline pain, a physical examination and the supplementary tests that are deemed necessary. The drugs of choice for the treatment of BTcP must be those with a potent and rapid analgesic effect a short duration, minimal side effects and easy administration. Transmucosal fentanyl is currently the active ingredient most fitting to the analgesic needs of BTcP, regardless of the major opioid used for control of the baseline pain. Conclusion: This Consensus can be a very useful tool to improve the quality of life in cancer patients, because it guides the clinician towards a better diagnose and treatment of BTcP.
Introduction and objectives: Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is an acute exacerbation of baseline pain. The clinicians involved in its management have different diagnostic and therapeutic criteria. In order to facilitate decision making in usual clinical practice, 8 reference experts from 4 scientific associations involved in the management of patients with cancer pain have developed this Consensus Document. Methods: After an initial search on the most relevant publications in BTcP literature, a set of preliminary recommendations were established. A working meeting was subsequently held with the experts, following the Metaplan ® methodology-a structured brainstorming technique-that produced a first version of the Consensus Document which, after several review rounds, was validated by all the participants. Every statement and recommendation was sorted according to its degree of recommendation, following the categories in the SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) system. Results: The management of BTcP requires a full anamnesis, both of BTcP itself and of baseline pain, a physical examination and the supplementary tests that are deemed necessary. The drugs of choice for the treatment of BTcP must be those with a potent and rapid analgesic effect a short duration, minimal side effects and easy administration. Transmucosal fentanyl is currently the active ingredient most fitting to the analgesic needs of BTcP, regardless of the major opioid used for control of the baseline pain. Conclusion: This Consensus can be a very useful tool to improve the quality of life in cancer patients, because it guides the clinician towards a better diagnose and treatment of BTcP.
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