Brompton's mixture in alleviating pain of terminal neoplastic disease: preliminary results

We conducted a one-year preliminary study on 107 patients in a hospice for incurable cancer to assess the efficacy of a modified Brompton's Mixture (an oral analgesic solution) in alleviating intractable pain. The results presented indicate that in patients who can tolerate oral medication, the present formulation can be used in lieu of parenteral narcotics, often with superior results and always with cost effectiveness. With Brompton's Misture, side effects of parenteral narcotics such as sedation, lethargy, and nausea are avoided. As documented by four representative case reports, the patient is pain-free, ambulatory, communicating with his environment, and experiencing an improved nutritional status, thereby improving the quality of life. Brompton's Mixture appears to be a valuable adjunct to conventional therapy, giving the patient an effective alternative to parenteral medication for control of pain.