Interventional approach to cancer pain

Cancer pain is a significant problem despite the advent of the World Health Organization's cancer pain guidelines, the US government's cancer pain guidelines, and the Joint Commission's mandate for hospital pain evaluation and treatment. Ninety percent of patients with cancer pain can be effectively treated with oral conservative medications. The remaining 10% need more invasive treatments to control their pain. This article reviews current methods of controlling cancer pain using intrathecal catheters, nerve blocks, and neurosurgical procedures.