[Activities of pain-treatment service in a polyclinic]

The experience gained in the management of advanced cancer patients is discussed. Treatment including pharmaco- and psychotherapy was given in outpatient hospital and at home. Two more principles of cancer pain treatment, viz. combined application and early start, were suggested to add to those described in the literature: adequate dosage, stepwise use, regular uptake and preferred oral administration. In 79.8% of patients, complete or significant regression of pain did not require injections of narcotic drugs. Certain organizational changes aimed at improving cancer pain treatment are discussed.