Abstract 1447P
Background
Buprenorphine is partial agonist activity at the μ-opioid receptor and competitive antagonist activity at the kappa opioid receptor. Transdermal therapeutic system buprenorphine should be of special value in cancer pain control. Such a buprenorphine formulation allows for a stepwise dose increase, similar to that reported for sustained-release morphine. We evaluated the effectiveness and tolerability of transdermal buprenorphine (TDB) treatment for cancer pain management.
Methods
In this prospective observational study, done in single tertiary cancer care centre, 180 patients with moderate to severe chronic cancer pain were included. Ages range was 18-70 years. For efficacy assessment Visual Analog Scale and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale were used and patients were also assessed for side effects profile of buprenorphine patch.
Results
There was significant improvement of visual analog scale and FACES pain scores from the baseline to the second day of application (P <0.001). By the 15th day, scores reached 1.15 ± 0.393 and 1.58 ± 0.35, respectively (P <0.001). The sedation score increased on the second day to 2 in 19 patients and to 3 in 66 patients. By the seventh day, 70 patients had a sedation score of 1. All patients returned to baseline by the 14th day. Itching was reported in 24 cases, and erythema occurred in 17 cases. No significant side effects were reported.
Conclusions
Transdermal buprenorphine was found to be an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for cancer-related chronic moderate to severe pain. In this study population, evaluation of vital signs and physical examination did not suggest any safety concerns while using transdermal buprenorphine.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
The authors.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.