Abstract 3623
Background
Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a common distressing symptom associated with cancer pain opioid treatment. Beyond the recommendations for the treatment of OIC, there are no specific guidelines for the management of the patient with OIC and little is known about the decision tree health care professional (HCP) use to manage OIC. The ECO Foundation (Excellence and Quality in Oncology) has promoted this study to learn about the diagnostic and treatment criteria of OIC in clinical practice.
Methods
An on-line survey was completed by 135 investigators: 122 medical oncologists (90.4%) and 13 palliative care specialists (9.6%). The questionnaire included 50 items about the management of OIC.
Results
According to HCP, most of the cancer patients with pain (71.2%), received opioid treatment for more than 6 months and 54.4% developed OIC. Although 97% of HCP considered OIC as a major health problem only 14.8% of HCP used algorithms for the diagnosis of OIC and 14.1% for OIC treatment. Laxatives were considered second-line treatment for 60% of HCP, after healthy life-style recommendations. Laxatives were prescribed by 99.3% of HCP, but only 38.3% recommended them throughout the opioid treatment period. HCP considered laxatives did not achieve a therapeutic response on 33% of the cases. Peripherally Active µ-Opioid Receptor Antagonist (PAMORA) were considered by 80% of HCP a good alternative for the specific treatment of OIC in cancer patients. Indeed, PAMORA were considered the most effective measure with a score of 8 out of a 10 points scale.
Conclusions
OIC is considered a frequent and relevant opioid side effect among cancer patients in Spain. Although most HCP are aware of the potential for OIC with opioid treatment, there is limited consensus on the OIC diagnostic and treatment criteria. The insufficient efficacy of traditional therapies and the emerging of more specific and effective pharmacological approaches, suggest new clinical guidelines are needed for the management of OIC in cancer patients.
Clinical trial identification
Legal entity responsible for the study
ECO Foundation.
Funding
Kyowa Kirin Pharmaceutical.
Editorial Acknowledgement
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.