The use of interventional procedures for cancer pain. A brief review

Abstract

Context Pain is a common experience in people living with cancer. Concerns around opioid prescribing have seen a move toward a multi-modality management approach, which includes interventional pain procedures. Purpose In this paper we discuss the interventional pain procedures used to treat cancer pain at two major tertiary centers in Australia. Methods and results This expert review provides practical insights on cancer pain management from healthcare providers in different specialties. These insights can be used to guide the management of a wide range of cancer pain types. Conclusions Furthermore, this review identifies the need for a systematic and comprehensive approach to the management of cancer pain that is broader than that of a single specialty. With recent advances in pain management procedures, an interdisciplinary approach is essential in order to provide an up to date, patient tailored approach to pain management. This review will help inform the development of a cancer pain intervention registry.