Comprehensive care of oncological patients with pain

Authors

Abstract

Introduction: Pain control is an essential component of palliative care.

Objective: Describe the management of oncological pain as a frequent symptom reported by patients.

Methods: An observational prospective longitudinal study was conducted with implementation of a medical record model for pain evaluation. The study included 116 patients admitted to the Pain Clinic at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology from 1 July to 31 December 2019. The data were summarized with the use of frequencies for qualitative variables, means for quantitative variables and chi-square for the association between variables.

Results: Mean age was 62 years, with a prevalence of the female sex. 74.2% were in advanced stages. Of the patients studied, 93.1% reported chronic, mixed, moderately intense to severe pain. The most common pain site was the lumbosacral spine. Severe pain was associated to anxiety, depression and insomnia (p ≤ 0.008). Treatment with mild opioids and adjuvants was indicated in all cases, with potent opioid escalation in 59 patients. Partial or total pain control was achieved in 104 patients. The most common adverse reactions were constipation, nausea and somnolence.

Conclusions: Pain control was achieved in most patients with the implementation of a medical record, evaluation and treatment, which permitted the application of an effective individualized treatment.

Key words: pain, cancer, palliative care.

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Author Biography

Tammy Alonso Díaz, Instituto Nacional de Oncologia y Radiobiologia

Mastologia, Cirujana General

References

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Published

2021-06-02

How to Cite

1.
Alonso Díaz T, Martinez Carrasco J, LLantá Abreu M del C, Ropero Toirac R, Bazán Milian M, Navarrete Dávalos C, et al. Comprehensive care of oncological patients with pain. Rev Cub Oncol [Internet]. 2021 Jun. 2 [cited 2025 Jul. 1];19(1). Available from: https://revoncologia.sld.cu/index.php/onc/article/view/90

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Artículos Originales