How is Persistent Pain Managed in Cancer Patients?
Managing persistent pain in cancer patients requires a multidisciplinary approach. Treatment options include:
- Medications: Analgesics like NSAIDs, opioids, and adjuvant medications (e.g., antidepressants, anticonvulsants) are commonly prescribed. - Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Techniques such as physical therapy, acupuncture, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help alleviate pain. - Interventional Procedures: Nerve blocks, epidural injections, and other minimally invasive procedures can provide relief for certain types of pain. - Palliative Care: Focused on improving the quality of life, palliative care teams work to manage symptoms, including pain, and provide psychological support.