Treatment of cancer pain by continuous subcutaneous infusion of buprenorphine

: The efficacy of continuous subcutaneous infusion of buprenorphine for the treatment of terminal cancer pain was studied. Continuous subcutaneous administration of 4-8 micrograms/kg/day of buprenorphine, examined by the visual analogue scale was revealed to have satisfactory analgesic potency for control of every type of terminal cancer. This therapy can be undertaken by any member of the medical staff because of its safety and simplicity. The indications for this method are almost unlimited when the subcutaneous tissue can absorb the drug at a constant rate. Continuous subcutaneous buprenorphine administration via a portable infusion pump allows patients with severe pain from cancer the opportunity to move about freely.