Increased Quality of Life in Patients with Breakthrough Cancer Pain after Individualized Therapy: the CAVIDIOM Study

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) in patients with breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) in Spanish medical oncology departments. Patients & methods: In a prospective, observational, multicenter study, we assessed QoL using the EQ-5D-5L instrument at baseline and after 15 and 30 days of individualized BTcP therapy, as well as BTcP characteristics and treatment. Results: Patients (n = 118) were mainly women, over 64 years old and with advanced cancer. QoL improved at 15 (p = 0.013) and 30 days (p = 0.011) versus baseline. Individualized BTcP therapy consisted mostly of rapid-onset opioids (transmucosal fentanyl at doses of 67–800 μg) according to the physician evaluation. BTcP improved, including statistically significant reductions in intensity, duration, number of episodes in the last 24 h and time to onset of BTcP relief. Conclusion: QoL increased after individualized pain therapy in patients with advanced cancer and BTcP in medical oncology departments.

Fentanyl in cancer pain management: avoiding hasty judgments and discerning its potential benefits

“…The aim of the recent CAVIDIOM study 143 was to comprehensively assess QOL in patients with BTcP treated in medical oncology services. QOL improved significantly ( p <0.001) in patients receiving ROO therapy at tailored doses (67–800 μg) at the end of the study.…”

“…In this study, 143 the overall patient improvement in QOL was rated similarly by patients and physicians: ‘much better’ was chosen by 36% of patients and 34% of physicians, whilst ‘a little better’ was chosen by 27% of patients and 30% of physicians. The result was different in the CAVIDIOR study, 159 where more physicians (81.9%) responded positively than patients (43.6%).…”

“…The result was different in the CAVIDIOR study, 159 where more physicians (81.9%) responded positively than patients (43.6%). The CAVIDIOM study authors 143 suggested that patient and clinician perceptions of QOL improvement may vary based on care setting, being more similar in medical oncology units than palliative care and radiation oncology units. 143 …”

“…The CAVIDIOM study authors 143 suggested that patient and clinician perceptions of QOL improvement may vary based on care setting, being more similar in medical oncology units than palliative care and radiation oncology units. 143 …”

“…Multidisciplinary approaches may also be useful to tailor the management of BTcP episodes to individual characteristics and to ensure close follow-up, reorganizing interdisciplinary tasks around patient-centred care and outcomes. 66 , 70 , 143 , 171 …”