Local anesthetics in the treatment of cancer pain

Local anesthetics are in general not suitable for the treatment of patients with severe cancer pain. Local blocks are useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. As their action is instantaneous and reliable, they can be used to relieve pain for a limited period of time. The use of local anesthetics may yield long-lasting relief in some specific pain syndromes, such as tumor-related reflex dystrophies, in painful muscle spasms, and trigger points due to tumor-affected vertebrae. In addition, local anesthetics may have a generally beneficial effect in the restless, cachectic, and aged patient.