Anesthetic management of cancer pain

Diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks are potent tools that can be utilized as one component of the armamentarium in the overall management of cancer pain. With the advent of the multidisciplinary approach to cancer pain management, the appropriate role of nerve blocks should be examined in terms of timing and risk-benefit ratio for each individual patient. Improved patient selection, prior utilization of other lower risk techniques, improved understanding of patient goals, and changes in pain experience may result in higher success. The ultimate goal is to provide comfort without sacrificing other functions important to the patient and/or family.