PAIN MANAGEMENT IN PALLIATIVE CANCER PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON THE USE OF HIGH DOSAGES OF TRANSDERMAL BUPRENORPHINE

Introduction: Despite guidelines and recommendations, a large proportion of patients with cancer still have inadequate pain control. Transdermal opioid administration can overcome problems such as swallowing and compliance, because only one application every three days is needed. Transdermal buprenorphine was documented to provide effective pain relief in cancer and non-cancer patients. A ceiling effect was described in animals at supratherapeutic dose levels. Objectives: This prospective observational pilot study was designed to explore the need for doses of transdermal buprenorphine beyond the recommended maximum dose of 140 µg/h, in a cohort of palliative patients with cancer pain. Methods: 36 consecutive palliative patients with uncontrolled cancer pain were prescribed transdermal buprenorphine after having received adequate information on the disease, its evolution, the pain and the drug. They gave written informed consent for participation in this observational study. Pain intensity and use of breakthrough medication were registered by the patient and the health care provider. Results: Pain was judged to be satisfactory controlled, by the patient and the health care providers, in 21 of 28 evaluable patients at a dose lower than or equal to 140 µg/h. The success rate was higher in the hospitalized patient group. The observation of adequate pain control in two patients treated with doses up to 210 µg/h supports the hypothesis that buprenorphine dose titration above 140 µg/h can be clinically effective and well tolerated. This also refutes the assumption of a clinically relevant ceiling effect. Conclusions: Transdermal buprenorphine controls cancer pain in the majority of palliative patients.