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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Development of Recombinant Proteins to Treat Chronic Pain
Published on: April 11, 2018
Recent advances in pharmacotherapy for cancer pain management
Lise K Lucas1, Arthur G Lipman
1College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City 84112, USA.
Purpose:
This review provides an outline of several recent advances in drug treatment options and strategies for managing cancer pain.
Overview:
The development of cyclooxygenase-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and transmucosal fentanyl citrate provide new pharmacologic options for the treatment of cancer pain. Combinations of opioid agonists and antagonists have provided data on new strategies to balance effective analgesia with analgesic-related adverse effects. In addition, the spectrum of adjuvant agents for the treatment of neuropathic pain has been extended to various antidepressants and topical analgesics. There is continued research on the role of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor and, specifically, on NMDA receptor antagonists that may augment analgesia and combat opioid resistance. Finally, a more potent generation of bisphosphonates may lead to improved pain relief for patients with bone metastases.
Clinical Implications:
With a combination of emerging new clinical research and professional practice experience of the cancer care team, new strategies will continue to be developed and implemented, resulting in the continued improved care of patients with cancer.
Insights
Recent advances in cancer pain management include novel NSAIDs, fentanyl citrate, and adjuvant therapies for neuropathic pain. Ongoing research into NMDA receptor antagonists and bisphosphonates offers further improvements in pain relief for cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Cyclooxygenase-2-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and transmucosal fentanyl citrate offer new pharmacologic options for cancer pain.
- Adjuvant agents, including antidepressants and topical analgesics, are expanding the treatment spectrum for neuropathic pain.
- Research continues on N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists for enhanced analgesia and combating opioid resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in drug treatment options for cancer pain management.
- To outline emerging strategies for effectively managing cancer pain.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advances in pharmacologic cancer pain management.
- Synthesis of information on novel drug classes and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Development of cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAIDs and transmucosal fentanyl citrate.
- Exploration of opioid agonist-antagonist combinations for balanced analgesia.
- Expansion of adjuvant therapies for neuropathic pain, including antidepressants and topical agents.
- Continued investigation into NMDA receptor antagonists and potent bisphosphonates for bone metastases.
Conclusions:
- Emerging clinical research and professional experience are driving new cancer pain management strategies.
- Implementation of these new strategies promises continued improvement in patient care.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are essential for optimizing cancer pain management.
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