Survey of the Period of Tapering of a Strong Opioid Analgesic for Oral Mucositis Resulting from Concomitant Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer after the End of Treatment
- VernacularTitle:頭頸部癌同時化学放射線療法による口腔咽頭粘膜炎に対する強オピオイド鎮痛薬の漸減期間に関する後方視的研究
- Author:
Takehiko TSUNO
1
;
Jumpei TOKUMARU
1
;
Masanori KOJIMA
1
;
Yousuke KITANI
2
;
Shinya HASHIMOTO
1
Author Information
- Keywords: head and neck cancer; concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT); Bioradiotherapy (BRT); opioid analgesics; mucositis
- From:Palliative Care Research 2018;13(4):305-311
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
- Abstract: Severe pain from mucositis resulting from concomitant chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is commonly treated with opioid analgesics. However, the period of use of opioid analgesics differs among individuals. We performed a retrospective cohort study of 46 patients who were treated with long-term opioid analgesics after CCRT for head and neck cancer. Among these patients, opioid analgesics were used for a median of 30 days. A comparative study was conducted between patients with long-term use of strong opioid analgesic drugs and those with short-term use. A significantly prolonged use of opioid analgesic agent was associated with cetuximab use (TPF vs. S-1 vs. Cmab, 35.0 vs. 44.1 vs. 180.7, p≤0.001). There were no psychiatric symptoms such as dependence and delirium. When patient background and chemotherapy selection are known, the possibility of severe oropharyngeal mucositis and the potential need for long-term opioid analgesics can be evaluated. Consideration of reduction or discontinuation according to pain after the end of treatment is important.
