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Suprascapular nerve peripheral nerve stimulation for pediatric cancer pain: a case series
Soun Sheen1, Imad Riazuddin1, Saba Javed1
1Department of Pain Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston,TX 77006, USA.
Insights
Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) offers significant pain relief for pediatric cancer patients. This temporary, percutaneous approach shows promise for managing challenging cancer-related pain in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Neuromodulation
Background:
- Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is increasingly recognized for managing adult cancer pain.
- Its application in pediatric oncology remains under-explored, despite the need for effective pain interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the utilization of temporary, percutaneous PNS for cancer-related pain in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of PNS in adolescents with cancer pain.
Main Methods:
- Two adolescent patients with cancer pain received ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve PNS.
- A temporary, percutaneous 60-day therapy system was employed for pain management.
Main Results:
- Both patients experienced substantial pain reduction, averaging around 60% during therapy.
- Pain relief persisted for up to 90 days after the removal of the PNS leads.
Conclusions:
- Temporary, percutaneous PNS demonstrates potential as a valuable tool for managing cancer pain in pediatric oncology.
- Further research is essential to establish the efficacy and safety of PNS for diverse cancer pain conditions in pediatric populations.
Abstract:
Aim: Despite the growing evidence supporting the use of peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) for cancer pain in adults, it is underutilized in the pediatric oncology population.Method: We describe the use of temporary, percutaneous PNS for pain management in pediatric patients suffering from cancer related pain.Results: Two adolescent patients underwent an ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve PNS placement utilizing the percutaneous 60-day therapy system. Both patients reported approximately 60% pain relief during the therapy, as well as up to 90 days post lead removal.Conclusion: PNS may play a crucial role in the pediatric oncology population. Further studies are warranted to investigate the efficacy and safety of PNS for various cancer-related pain conditions in pediatric populations.
