Cancer-Related Breakthrough Pain

Malignant episodic (or 'breakthrough') pain is a common feature of cancer pain that can have a negative impact on quality of life for both the patient and carer. It is characterized by a periodic increase in pain over background cancer pain and can be both severe in intensity and rapid in onset. Some patients who experience breakthrough pain are unresponsive to treatment and can pose a clinical challenge for physicians.

This volume contains chapters detailing strategies for the assessment, management and treatment of breakthrough pain. The use of opioids for the treatment of breakthrough pain is thoroughly explored, with material covering oral, nasal and other routes for opioid administration. Furthermore, the book includes chapters on non-opioid pharamological treatments, as well as non-pharamological interventions.

New additions to the second edition include a revised chapter on the general management of breakthrough pain and an up-to-date section on the latest data on intranasal fentanyl products. These updates ensure that Cancer-related Breakthrough Pain continues to be an invaluable resource for specialists and trainees in the field of pain management, as well as being a quick reference guide for GPs, specialist nurses, and other medical professionals.

Dr Andrew Davies trained at St. George's Hospital Medical School (University of London), and after completing general medical training (MRCP) specialised initially in Clinical Oncology, and then in Palliative Medicine. He has been a Consultant in Palliative Medicine for over 10 years, and has previously been Senior Lecturer in Palliative Medicine at University of Bristol, and more recently Consultant in Palliative Medicine at Royal Marsden Hospital (Sutton). Dr Davies has a particular interest in the management of breakthrough / incident pain (e.g. movement-related pain), neuropathic pain, dry mouth and other oral problems.