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Subcutaneous ketorolac--a new development in pain control
N Blackwell1, L Bangham, M Hughes
1Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK.
Palliative Medicine
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Continuous subcutaneous ketorolac effectively managed pain in advanced cancer patients when opioids failed or caused side effects. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug significantly reduced or eliminated opioid use, improving symptom control.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid analgesia is standard for advanced malignant disease pain.
- Opioid effectiveness can be limited by unresponsiveness or adverse effects.
- Novel strategies are needed for refractory cancer pain.
Observation:
- Seven patients with advanced cancer experienced inadequate pain control with opioids.
- Reasons included opioid unresponsiveness, adverse effects, or both.
- Continuous subcutaneous ketorolac was administered to these patients.
Findings:
- All seven patients achieved complete symptom relief with ketorolac.
- Four patients were able to cease opioid use entirely.
- Three patients experienced a substantial reduction in their daily opioid requirement.
Implications:
- Continuous subcutaneous ketorolac is a viable alternative for managing refractory cancer pain.
- This approach can significantly decrease opioid dependence and associated side effects.
- Further research into non-opioid analgesics for advanced disease is warranted.