This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Spray improved pain management in cancer patients
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Fentanyl sublingual spray was associated with improvements in a number of pain and adverse event categories in a cohort of patients with several types of cancer, according to results of a randomized study.
Researchers conducted the double blind, placebo-controlled study to determine whether fentanyl sublingual spray adequately treats cancer pain or affects quality of life of patients with cancer.
The 130 participants, all of whom had one to four episodes per day of breakthrough cancer pain, received around-the-clock opioids in a 26-day open-label titration phase. Ninety-six patients who successfully titrated to a stable, effective dose ranging from 100 mcg to 1,600 mcg entered a double blind phase that included seven active doses of the spray and three placebo doses.
Pain management scores on the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication improved after titration. From baseline to post-titration, a mean improvement of 26.1 points was recorded for effectiveness (standard deviation [SD]=20.9). Results showed a mean improvement of 12.5 points (SD=30.8) for adverse effects and 20.5 points (SD=23.1) for global satisfaction. An 88.5% satisfaction rate was reported in the cohort after titration compared with 40.8% at baseline. The adverse event rate was 60% during titration. Nausea was the most common.
Reference:
Rhiner M. Abstract #116605.
Disclosure:
Rhiner reports no relevant financial disclosures.