Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine External Treatment for Cancer Pain

Cancer pain,as a common complication in patients with malignant tumors,is regarded as the fifth vital sign.The involvement of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the treatment of malignant tumors has become a distinctive feature of oncology treatment in China.It is also an important component of cancer pain management.TCM analgesic treatments include various methods,such as internal medicine and external therapies.External analgesic therapies,in particular,are significant methods in TCM pain management and offer both local treatment and systemic regulation.These methods are simple,easy to perform,and non-invasive.They can enhance pain relief effects while reducing the difficulty of oral medication intake and avoiding adverse gastrointestinal reactions,providing new perspectives and approaches for cancer pain treatment with broad development prospects.This article provides a review of the external TCM therapies for cancer pain to share with peers in the field.

Aromatic Essential Oil Acupressure Combined with Music Therapy in Cancer Pain Management

Objective: To explore the effect of aroma oil acupressure combined with music therapy in pain intervention for tumor patients. Methods: 60 patients with malignant tumors accompanied by cancer pain who were hospitalized in the oncology department of a tertiary-level hospital in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and were divided into 30 cases in the control group and 30 cases in the intervention group according to the stratified sampling method. The control group was divided into 30 cases of control group and 30 cases of intervention group according to the stratified sampling method. The control group was given medicine according to the conventional step analgesia, and the intervention group was given medicine according to the conventional step analgesia with the addition of aromatic oil acupressure combined with music therapy, and the effect of the intervention was valued by the NRS, the SAS and the SDS. Results: The NRS, SAS and SDS of patients in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (p Conclusion: Aromatic oil acupressure combined with music therapy can effectively improve the pain symptoms of tumor patients, relieve anxiety and improve the quality of sleep of patients. Combined with pharmacological methods of pain relief, it can reduce the dose of pain medication and the frequency of administration of medication, and find a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological pain complementary alternative therapy for tumor patients with cancer pain.

A Clinical Investigation: Study on Psychosocial Characteristics, Social Support and Intervention Strategies of Outpatient Cancer Pain Patients

Background and Objective: The presence of pain in cancer patients is a prevalent concomitant symptom, exerting significant impacts on their physical, psychological, and social functioning. However, the psychological and social aspects are often overlooked. This study aims to explore the factors influencing the provision of psychological and social support for patients experiencing cancer-related pain while proposing intervention measures to enhance treatment compliance, confidence levels, and overall quality of life. Materials and Methods: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 108 patients with moderate to severe advanced cancer pain who had received outpatient analgesia treatment for at least one month were selected as the study subjects. The psychological characteristics and social support of these patients were further examined using the Self-Rating Symptom Scale (SCL-90) and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). The influencing factors were compared with the national norms. Results: The total score of SCL-90 was significantly different from that of the domestic norm (P < 0.05), and the total score of social support was significantly different from that of the domestic norm (P < 0.01). In addition to hostile symptoms, Somatic, obsessive, sensitive, depression, anxiety, terror, paranoia, psychosis and other symptoms were correlated with subjective support (P 0.05). Conclusion: Patients with cancer pain are more vulnerable to physical symptoms, psychological distress, lack of social support, and other contributing factors. Implementing standardized treatment protocols can effectively alleviate physical symptoms while also emphasizing the importance of psychosocial interventions to address negative emotions and enhance social support. By bolstering patient confidence through these measures, we can ultimately improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ overall quality of life.

Transdermal Fentanyl for Management of Cancer Pain in Elderly Patients in China

Objective: Objective: To assess the effect and adverse effects of transdermal fentanyl for elderly patients with cancer pain in China. Methods: A total of 1664 elderly patients (aged 65-90 with mean age of 72.6) with cancer pain enrolled in the multicenter study from 136 institutes in China. Of them, 408 (28.8%) patients were 75 years old or older. All patients received transdermal fentanyl for the management of cancer pain. The patients were asked to record the attacks of pain, quality of life, and any side effects of the treatment. Results: Baseline mean of pain intensity was 7.34. On day 1, 3, 6, 9 15, and 30, the pain mean scores were decreased to 3.82, 2.80, 2.43, 2.11, 1.83, 1.64 (P=0.000). The effective rate was 97.18%. The mean doses of fentanyl was 31.34 g/h (25-150 g/h) initially, and 40.59 g/h and 47.50 g/h (25-200 g/h) at day 15 and day 30. At treatment day 15, the dose of fentanyl was ranger from 25 to 50 g/h in 91.8% of patients, 75 to 100 g/h in 7.5% patients, and 125 to 200 g/h only in 0.8% patients. The fine quality of life was in 25.4% patients before treatment, and was 71.15% and 73.04% at day 15 and day 30 respectively (P=0.0000). The common side effects were constipation (10.70%), nausea (11.96%), dizzy (6.85%), vomiting (3.85%), sedation (2.40%), Respiratory depression (0.12%). 86.2% patients preferred continue treated by transdermal fentanyl. Conclusions: Transdermal fentanyl for the elderly with cancer pain is effective, safe, convenient, and can improve the quality of life. Transdermal fentanyl can be recommended as a first-line drug for the treatment of elderly patients with moderate to severe cancer pain, and the initial doses is recommended as 25 g/h.

Double-blinded, Controlled, Randomized Study of Dihydrocodeine Tartrate vs Codeine Phosphate in Treating Cancer Pain

To compare the effects and adverse reactions of dihydrocodeine tartrate andcodeine phosphate in treating moderate cancer pain. Methods: Sixty-nine cases of cancer patientswith moderate pain were treated with dihydrocodeine tartrate or codeine phosphate respectively bydouble-blind, controlled randomized methods and the effects and adverse reactions were observed.Results: After administration of dihydrocodeine tartrate or codeine phosphate, in treatment group orcontrol group, the total effective rate was 86.6% and 93.6%, and common adverse symptoms includedconstipation (31.3%/12.9%), nausea (18.8%/19.7%), gastric trouble (18.8%/19.7%), skin pruritus(12.5%/10%), vomit (9.3% and 6.5%) with the difference being not significant. Conclusion: Theeffects of dihydrocodeine tartrate in treating moderate cancer pain are similar to codeinephosphate. Both them can be used to treat moderate cancer pain.

Cancer Pain with Standardized Nursing

Background: The incidence of cancer pain in patients with malignant tumors is relatively high, and pain control is poor, which is closely related to many factors, especially the nursing way. Objective: To explore the effect of standardized nursing model on pain control in patients with malignant tumors. Methods: 50 patients with malignant tumors treated in the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College from January to December in 2021 were randomly divided into 25 cases in the control group and 25 cases in the observation group. The pain control and medication compliance of the two groups were compared. Results: There was no difference in the corresponding score of admission pain between the two groups (P > 0.05), and the pain score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P P Conclusion: Standardized cancer pain nursing can ease the pain of patients, and the medication compliance is better.

Multicenter Clinical Study for Evaluation of Efficacy and Safety of Transdermal Fentanyl Matrix Patch in Treatment of Moderate to Severe Cancer Pain in 474 Chinese Cancer Patients

Objective: Although a new matrix formulation fentanyl has been used throughout the world for cancer pain management, few data about its efficacy and clinical outcomes associated with its use in Chinese patients have been obtained. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the new system in Chinese patients with moderate to severe cancer pain. Methods: A total of 474 patients with moderate to severe cancer pain were enrolled in this study and were treated with the new transdermal fentanyl matrix patch (TDF) up to 2 weeks. All the patients were asked to record pain intensity, side effects, quality of life (QOL), adherence and global satisfaction. The initial dose of fentanyl was 25 ?g/h titrated with opioid or according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Transdermal fentanyl was changed every three days. Results: After 2 weeks. The mean pain intensity of the 459 evaluated patients decreased significantly from 5.63?1.26 to 2.03?1.46 (P<0.0001). The total remission rate was 91.29%, of which moderate remission rate 53.16%, obvious remission rate 25.49% and complete remission rate 12.64%. The rate of adverse events was 33.75%, 18.78% of which were moderate and 3.80% were severe. The most frequent adverse events were constipation and nausea. No fatal events were observed. The quality of life was remarkably improved after the treatment (P<0.0001). Conclusion: The new TDF is effective and safe in treating patients with moderate to severe cancer pain, and can significantly improve the quality of life.

Cognition and Sociodemographic Determinants for Effective Pain Control in Patients with Cancer Pain: a Cross-sectional Survey in China

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate cancer patients'cognitive level of pain control and to evaluate the patient-related factors or barriers to effective cancer pain management in China.In seven tertiary hospitals across China,372 patients experiencing cancer pain were surveyed through a self-designed questionnaire to assess the factors associated with effective pain control.Patients'demographic data and pain control-related factors were recorded.Cluster sampling and binary logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between predictive factors and effective pain control.The survey showed that the majority of the patients were more than 45 years old(76.3%),and 64.4%had an average annual income of more than 20000 RMB.One-third of the patients suffered from cancer pain for more than 3 months,and 75.1%received professional guidance during medication.The barriers to pain control for patients included preference to enduring pain and refusing analgesics(62.9%),negligence towards drug usage(28.5%),concerns about the addiction(48.2%)and adverse reaction(56.4%).The average annual family income,pro fessional guidance,knowledge of pain medication,adherence to analgesics,and concerns about addiction to analgesics were significantly correlated to the effect of patients'pain control.The study presents major barriers to optimal pain control among patients with cancer in China.Our findings suggest that educational programs and medical insurance reimbursement support from the government are urgently needed to overcome the cognitive barriers toward effective pain management and to relieve the economic burden among patients with cancer pain in China.

Conversing Rate from Morphine to Continuous Infusion of Fentanyl in Patients Suffering Cancer Pain

Objective： To investigate the proper conversing rate from morphine to continuous infusion of fentanyl in patients suffering cancer pain. Methods： A retrospective study was carried on in 20 patients with cancer pain in Shizuoka Cancer Center from Sep. 2002 to Nov. 2003. Pain intensity, adverse reactions, and satisfaction index of patients were evaluated. Results： The pain intensity was stable in 17 patients indicating good pain-control within 1 week after conversion and unstable in 3 patients after conversion suggesting poor pain-control. Fentanyl injection could alleviate side effects and increase the satisfaction index of patients. Conclusion： The equipotent ratio for conversion of low dose morphine to fentanyl injection was established as 72：1, and for non low dose morphine a ratio less than 72：1 was proposed to get stable pain-relieving effect. But the equipotent ratio for conversion of morphine to continuous infusion of fentanyl could not be determined. We must consider the morphine dose before the confirmation of the conversing rate.

The clinical observation of slow-released morphine tablets by rectum in the treatment of the patients with moderate to severe cancer pain

Objective: To observe the effect of slow-released morphine tablets by rectum in treating the patients of moderate to severe cancer pain with server nausea and vomiting or dysphagia. Methods: 54 cases of cancer patients with server nau- sea and vomiting symptoms or dysphagia were treated with slow-released morphine tablets by rectum, 30-90 mg/time, once every 12 hours. The drug dose was titrated by degree of pain, and the effects and adverse effects were observed. Results: The total effective rate was 81.48%, complete response rate was 51.85% (28/54), and the partial response rate was 29.63% (16/54); there were no obvious toxicities, and the common adverse symptoms included nausea (16.7%) and vomiting (9.3%). Conclusion: The treatment of slow-released morphine tablet by rectum could effectively control cancer pain, the adverse effects were slight than that by mouth. It is safe and effective to be worthy of the adhibition in clinic.

A self-management application“painhousekeeper”to control cancer pain:a randomized controlled trial study protocol

Objective:Pain is a prevalent and distressing symptom in patients with cancer which has a significant impact on patients’physical health,psychological well-being,and quality of life(QOL).Deficiency of pain care,inadequate pain communication,and reluctance toward pain medication contribute to the difficulties in improving the situation of patients with cancer pain.Fortunately,the integration of self-management and professional healthcare provides new opportunities for patients with cancer pain.Methods:A two-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted to assess the effectiveness of self-management application compared with routine care among patients with cancer pain.Based on Orem’s self-care theory and Naylor’s transitional care theory,cancer pain self-management application“Pain-housekeeper”was developed with dual client:patient client and medical client.A total of 120 patients with cancer pain are recruited from two university-affiliated tertiary public hospitals in China.They are randomly assigned to the control group and the intervention group.The patients in the control group get routine care while the patients in the intervention group get routine care and Pain-housekeeper App.The intervention is delivered by registered doctors,nurses,and postgraduate nursing students specialized in pain care.Effect measurements for both groups are carried out with questionnaires at baseline(T0),after 4 weeks(T1)and after 12 weeks(T2).The primary outcomes include pain condition,self-efficacy,and QOL.The secondary outcomes include pain medication adherence,satisfaction,anxiety,and depression.Compliance of data submission,economic evaluation,usage,and clinical data are also considered in the test.Data for the evaluation are gathered continuously during the study period.Discussion:This article provides insight into the effectiveness of a theory-based self-management mobile application intervention delivered to patients with uncontrolled cancer pain.The results are used to help patients to improve cancer pain control,self-efficacy,and QOL.Conclusions:The findings of this article provide evidence to support the implementation of an innovative and easily accessible intervention that enhances health outcomes.

Regression Modeling of Individual-Patient Correlated Discrete Outcomes with Applications to Cancer Pain Ratings

Purpose: To formulate and demonstrate methods for regression modeling of probabilities and dispersions for individual-patient longitudinal outcomes taking on discrete numeric values. Methods: Three alternatives for modeling of outcome probabilities are considered. Multinomial probabilities are based on different intercepts and slopes for probabilities of different outcome values. Ordinal probabilities are based on different intercepts and the same slope for probabilities of different outcome values. Censored Poisson probabilities are based on the same intercept and slope for probabilities of different outcome values. Parameters are estimated with extended linear mixed modeling maximizing a likelihood-like function based on the multivariate normal density that accounts for within-patient correlation. Formulas are provided for gradient vectors and Hessian matrices for estimating model parameters. The likelihood-like function is also used to compute cross-validation scores for alternative models and to control an adaptive modeling process for identifying possibly nonlinear functional relationships in predictors for probabilities and dispersions. Example analyses are provided of daily pain ratings for a cancer patient over a period of 97 days. Results: The censored Poisson approach is preferable for modeling these data, and presumably other data sets of this kind, because it generates a competitive model with fewer parameters in less time than the other two approaches. The generated probabilities for this model are distinctly nonlinear in time while the dispersions are distinctly nonconstant over time, demonstrating the need for adaptive modeling of such data. The analyses also address the dependence of these daily pain ratings on time and the daily numbers of pain flares. Probabilities and dispersions change differently over time for different numbers of pain flares. Conclusions: Adaptive modeling of daily pain ratings for individual cancer patients is an effective way to identify nonlinear relationships in time as well as in other predictors such as the number of pain flares.

JNK in Spinal Cord Facilitates Bone Cancer Pain in Rats through Modulation of CXCL1

In patients with advanced cancer, cancer-induced bone pain（CIBP） is a severe and common problem that is difficult to manage and explain. As c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） and chemokine（C-X-C motif） ligand 1（CXCL1） have been shown to participate in several chronic pain processes, we investigated the role of JNK and CXCL1 in CIBP and the relationship between them. A rat bone cancer pain model was established by intramedullary injection of Walker 256 rat gland mammary carcinoma cells into the left tibia of Sprague-Dawley rats. As a result, intramedullary injection of Walker 256 carcinoma cells induced significant bone destruction and persistent pain. Both phosphorylated JNK1（p JNK1） and p JNK2 showed time-dependent increases in the ipsilateral spinal cord from day 7 to day 18 after tumor injection. Inhibition of JNK activation by intrathecal administration of SP600125, a selective p JNK inhibitor, attenuated mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia caused by tumor inoculation. Tumor cell inoculation also induced robust CXCL1 upregulation in the ipsilateral spinal cord on day 18 after tumor injection. Inhibition of CXCL1 by intrathecal administration of CXCL1 neutralizing antibody showed a stable analgesic effect. Intrathecal administration of SP600125 reduced CXCL1 increase in the spinal cord, whereas inhibition of CXCL1 in the spinal cord showed no influence on JNK activation. Taken together, these results suggested that JNK activation in spinal cord contributed to the maintenance of CIBP, which may act through modulation of CXCL1. Inhibition of the p JNK/CXCL1 pathway may provide a new choice for treatment of CIBP.

Study on Tongkuaixiao Babu Piaster (痛块消巴布剂) inTreating Cancer Pain

Objective: To explore the efficacy of Tongkuaixiao Babu plaster (痛块消巴布剂, TKXBBP) in treating cancer pain. Methods: In the clinical observation, sixty-five patients with moderate or severe cancer pain were randomly divided into two groups: 32 in the treated group (TKXBBP group) and 33 in the control group (Bucinnazine group). The therapeutic effects in relieving pain, improving quality of life (QOL), and the rate of satisfaction the patients felt of the two groups were compared respectively. Results:TKXBBP was effective in treating cancer pain. There wasn't any statistically significant difference in total effective rate (P>0.05), but the statistical difference was significant in obvious remission rate (P<0.05) between the treated and control group, and the effect on serious pain shown in the treated group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). The difference in the initiation time of relieving cancer pain was insignificant (P>0.05), while in the remission period, the treated group showed its treatment was obviously superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). TKXBBP showed better effect in the improvement of QOL ( P<0. 05) and satisfaction rate, with significant difference between the treated and the control groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: TKXBBPs effect in treating cancer pain was obvious, its application was safe and convenient. It was shown that the external treatment with this kind of Chinese medicine had great advantage in treating cancer pain.

A survey of advanced medical students’ knowledge towards cancer pain management

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate advanced medical students' knowledge towards cancer pain management, and understand the effect of specialisms and duration of oncology rotation on the advanced medical students' cognitive level towards cancer pain management. Methods: Randomly selected the respondents from a medical school in Wuhan, China. The educational background of the respondents should belong to one of these conditions: (1) clinical master degree candidate; (2) clinical doctor degree candidate; (3) the sixth or seventh year of clinical medicine for seven years. The respondents should also spend more than one year on internship. The self-developed questionnaire papers were distributed to respondents in the unit of dorms selected randomly and recovered them immediately after they're finished. The categori- cal data were expressed at the form of frequency (rate or constituent ratio). Chi-square test was required only as needed. Results: The survey was anonymous. We distributed 300 papers, recovered 300 papers and weeded out 8 invalid papers. Finally there were 292 valid papers, and the valid recovery rate was 97.3%. The 96.7% of oncological medical students and 47.6% non-oncological medical students relied on patients' description for cancer pain assessments; 90.0% of oncological medical students and 53.0% of non-oncological medical students prescribed strong opioid drugs firstly for patients suffering severe cancer pain; only 24.1% of non-oncological medical students recognized that pethidine was not safe and effective to treat cancer pain, which was much lower than oncological medical students (90.0%); 73.3% of oncological medical students and 28.9% of non-oncological medical students had the correct impression of drug addiction; 85.5% of non-oncological medi- cal students worried about the drug addiction, while 60.0% of oncological medical students worried about the strict control over opioid. In respect of the details of cancer pain management, only 66.7% of oncological medical students recognized that there was no upper limit of opioid prescribed clinically, and 16.3% of oncological medical students recognized that there was no psychological dependence if patients took opioid orally. The 69.8% of the students from no-less-than-two-week group relied on patients' description for cancer pain assessments, 76.7% prescribed strong opioid drugs firstly for patients suffer- ing severe cancer pain, 69.8% recognized that pethidine was not safe and effective to treat cancer pain, and 55.8% had the correct impression of drug addiction. All of the data were higher than that in no-rotation group and that in less-than-two-week group. The 51.2% of the students from no-less-than-two-week worried about drug addiction, which was the lowest of all. Conclusion: The cognitive level of advanced medical students towards cancer pain management is so low that it could not satisfy the clinical requirement, especially for the non-oncological medical students and the students spending little time on oncology rotation. Though the oncological medical students know something about cancer pain treatment, they know little about the details.

Effects of p38 MAPK inhibitor on the rat pain behavior and proinflammatory cytokines in a metastatic bone cancer pain model

Objective： To observe the effects of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase （MAPK） inhibitor SB203580 by intrathecal injection on the pain behavior and the spinal proinflammatory cytokines in a rat model of bone cancer pain induced by breast cancer cells. Methods： Eleven rats were used to establish the models of bone cancer pain, six rats were treated by intrathecal SB203580 injection, and the other 5 were as the controls. The paw withdrawal latency （PWL）, histology and the spinal levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were detected. Results： All the 11 rats presented evident bone destruction and thermal hyperalgesia after intra-tibial injection of breast cancer cells. No effect of SB203580 on the bone destruction was observed. However, following intrathecal injection of SB203580, the left PWLs （12.12± 1.26 s at 16 days and 12.99 ± 1.65 s at 19 days） were significant higher than that of controls （9.05 ± 1.08 s at 16 days and 8.55 ± 1.60 s at 19 days）, P 〈 0.05. Meanwhile, inkathecal injection of SB203580 evidently reduced the levels of spinal IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusion： Intrathecal injection of SB203580 in a rat model of bone cancer pain cannot prevent the tibial destruction but significantly depress the thermalgia sensitivity, which might result from inhibiting inkacellular p38 MAPK signaling transduction, and thereby reducing the release of the proinflammatory cytokines.

Clinical efficacy of OxyContin in the treatment of cancer pain

Objective: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy as well as adverse effects of OxyContin for the treatment of moder- ate to severe cancer pain. Methods: OxyContin was administered at an initial dose of 10 mg every 12 h and titrated upwards according to the extent of pain relief. The analgesic effect, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) scale as well as adverse ef- fects were investigated. Results: The mean onset time and duration of analgesic effect was 41 min and 12.6 h, respectively, with the daily average dose of 69.03 mg. Among all the 31 patients who had suffered moderate to severe pain, slight pain relief was achieved in one patient (3.23 %). Moderate, obvious and complete pain relief were achieved in 4 (12.90 %), 20 (64.52 %) and 6 (19.53%), respectively. KPS was elevated in 19 (61.29%) and stable in 9 (29.03%) patients after administration of OxyContin. 3 (9.68%) patients were died of disease deterioration. Main adverse effect was constipation in 10 cases (32.26%). Conclusion: OxyContin was effective in the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain, with rapid onset, good analgesic performance, mild adverse effect and safety profile.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture on cancer pain: a meta-analysis

Objective:The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with opiates in the treatment of cancer pain through the meta-analysis system.Methods:China national knowledge infrastructure and VIP Database for Chinese technical periodicals,China Biology Medicine,PubMed,Embase databases were searched from January 2016 to February 8,2020 for the randomized controlled trials on the effects of acupuncture combined with opiates on cancer pain.Meta-analysis of ordered data was performed using Stata-MP64 and Review Manager 5.3 software.Results:A total of 242 Chinese studies and 25 English studies were retrieved.According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,19 literatures finally were included.The fixed effect model was used to combine the total effect values,and the combined odds ratio(OR)(95%confidence interval(CI))was 2.981(2.384,3.729),suggesting that acupuncture combined with opiates was better than opiates alone in treating cancer pain(Z=9.57,P<0.05);the combination treatment could improve Karnofsky Performance Status score(Z=2.48,P=0.01),decrease Numerical Rating Scale score(Z=2.89,P=0.004);it also could reduce eruption pain frequency(Z=4.32,P<0.0001),improve the effects time(Z=2.51,P=0.01),and extend analgesia duration(Z=4.33,P<0.0001);the combination group also had lower Oxycodone dose than the control group(Z=3.193,P=0.001).At the same time,the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that of the opiate treatment group alone,with a OR(95%CI)of 0.27(0.19,0.37)and statistical significance,Z=8.06,P<0.05.Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with opioids for cancer pain is superior to opioids alone with a lower incidence of adverse reactions.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Nurses Working at King Abdulaziz University Hospital toward Cancer Pain Management

Objective: This survey aims to identify the levels of knowledge and attitudes among nurses regarding cancer pain management. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was undertaken at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, between September 4 and September 27, 2015. The survey instrument was a pre-set questionnaire comprising 39 closed-ended format questions. Participants were asked questions to assess their knowledge and attitudes about cancer pain management and adherence to frequent misconceptions regarding opioid therapy. The chi-square test was used to compare differences between variables. Results: One hundred twenty-eight questionnaires were completed and analyzed. A mean sample score of 41.3% was achieved on pain-related knowledge questions. The average score on all 39 questions was 16.1 ± 4.6 (range, 0 - 24). Nurses on the male medical ward were most knowledgeable compared with those on other wards (p p p p p = 0.002). Conclusion: Optimization of inpatient supportive procedures should be a specific task at King Abdulaziz University Hospital until an oncology unit with nurses specialized in cancer care is established.

Clinical Trial Protocol: Randomized Controlled Trial of Cancer Pain Monitoring System (CAPAMOS) in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) protocol was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Cancer Pain Monitoring System (CAPAMOS), a telenursing system designed to alleviate pain in ambulatory patients with advanced cancer. Methods: The study design involved a randomized controlled trial consisting of an intervention group using CAPAMOS and a control group that received usual care. At the time of enrollment, both groups will be given a questionnaire regarding issues, such as concerns related to cancer pain and self-management of opioid medication. Patients will then receive pain relief education based on the results of the questionnaire. Subjects in the control group will receive a pain diary and pain-relief pamphlet that acts as an educational tool. They could also call the outpatient clinic if they wanted to ask for a nursing consultation. The intervention group will be able to use CAPAMOS to manage their pain and receive video consultation with a telenurse, who is an oncology nursing specialist. Educational tools will be built into CAPAMOS. The study will be conducted for one month. The primary endpoint of this study was to calculate the Japanese Brief Pain Inventory score. The secondary endpoints were to assess the opioid medication self-management, Barriers Questionnaire, Japanese EuroQol 5-dimensions 5-level, and economic evaluation. Assessment items will be evaluated at registration and 2 and 4 weeks after registration. Conclusions: A RCT based on this protocol is expected to validate the efficacy of telenursing using CAPAMOS in patients with advanced cancer and pain.