Pain Management in Cancer Patients With Artificial Intelligence: Narrative Review

Background: Pain is a significant symptom in cancer patients that is frequently not effectively treated, and managing it is seen as a crucial aspect of caring for these patients. This severe pain frequently causes a significant disturbance in their quality of life. At present, there are different challenges in utilizing a range of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for managing pain in cancer patients. Recent technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, have improved the management of pain in cancer patients. Artificial intelligence and its algorithms offer potential solutions for pain relief in cancer patients with reduced side effects. Study Design: The current review aimed to assess the validity of studies on using artificial intelligence in pain management for cancer patients. Four databases have been used to review all published studies from the start of 2023: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search mechanism for articles was mainly using valid and mesh-based keywords, asking experts, and reviewing the literature and including "Pain," "Pain management," "Cancer," and "Artificial intelligence." During the initial search, a total of 450 articles were found, and after considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria and reviewing the abstract and content of the articles, 15 articles were finally included in the study. Results: AI-based solutions can provide individual pain relief plans. When AI analyzes large patient data such as physiological signals, responses to treatment, and symptoms of patients who have been diagnosed with pain, it is possible to accurately adjust therapeutic measures. Conclusions: AI enables healthcare providers to offer timely care and assistance to cancer patients through remote monitoring and telehealth services, even when they are not physically present. Despite the presence of hurdles such as ensuring ethical AI practices and protecting data privacy, the integration of AI in oncology pain management brings optimism for the future.