Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Fentanyl Analog Screening using LC-TIMS-TOF MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2024
Early conversion from oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl in patients with cancer pain
Masaji Tani1, Akito Fuku, Shiro Terashita
1Second Department of Surgery, Wakayama Medical University, School of Medicine, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8510, Japan.
Background/Aims:
The aim of this study is to prove that an early conversion from oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl is an effective and safe treatment modality for patients with cancer pain.
Methodology:
Early conversion to transdermal fentanyl was evaluated for patients with cancer pain (VAS > or = 4) by administering 20-30 mg of morphine.
Results:
The early conversion to transdermal fentanyl improved cancer pain in comparison to oral morphine. The mean VAS score improved to 2.6 +/- 2.8 after treatment, whereas the mean VAS score was 5.67 +/- 2.4 before treatment by transdermal fentanyl. Eighteen of 24 patients (75%) were responders due to an early conversion by the VAS score, and the mean VAS score after transdermal fentanyl was 1.2 +/- 0.9 in responders. Finally, 66.7% of all patients received from 2.5 mg to 5.0 mg of transdermal fentanyl. The VAS score before conversion from oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl showed a significant difference (responder vs. non-responder: 4.7 +/- 1.8 vs. 8.5 +/- 1.4, P<0.001). Rescue treatment for cancer pain was required for 16 series in 13 patients. Vomiting, nausea, constipation, and drowsiness were observed as adverse effects. However, the nausea symptoms significantly improved after treatment with transdermal fentanyl (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
Early conversion from oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl helped to effectively relieve cancer pain while improving the effects of morphine induced nausea.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Analgesia and Pain Management
IV Infusion to Oral Dosing: Conversion Methods
Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...

