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Cancer pain: progress since the WHO guidelines
1University of Texas, Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Pain Practice : the Official Journal of World Institute of Pain
|December 1, 2006
Summary
Fifteen years after the World Health Organization (WHO) cancer pain management guidelines, this review examines their effectiveness. Evolving cancer care increases patient longevity and pain, necessitating updated pain management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Public Health Guidelines
Background:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) established cancer pain management guidelines 15 years ago.
- Current cancer care involves aggressive treatments, leading to longer survival with advanced cancer.
- Increased patient survival correlates with a rise in cancer-related pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of the WHO cancer pain management guidelines.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of these established guidelines.
- To outline future directions for cancer pain care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of guideline development.
- Analysis of guideline effectiveness.
- Review of current trends in cancer treatment.
- Exploration of future trends in cancer pain management.
Main Results:
- The review assesses the historical development of cancer pain guidelines.
- Effectiveness of the guidelines is examined in the context of evolving cancer care.
- Current treatment modalities contribute to increased cancer pain.
Conclusions:
- The 15-year-old WHO guidelines require re-evaluation.
- Advances in cancer treatment necessitate updated approaches to pain management.
- Future strategies must address the growing challenge of cancer pain in longer-living patients.
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