[Cancer pain management--the palliative care approach]

Combining pharmacological pain management to other therapeutic options relieves most of cancer pain. The pharmacological approach lies on the WHO analgesic three steps. The first step (paracetamol, NSAIDs) is used for weak pain, and the second (weak opioids) for moderate pain. The third one, involving strong opioids, is indicated in moderate to severe pain. If morphine is still considered the first choice, other opioids can be useful in case of unacceptable side effects, inadequate antalgy, or renal failure. The use of co-analgesics can further optimize analgesia in certain cases. Their appropriate use must be carefully considered, regarding the side effects and the increased risk of drug interactions.