[Therapy of tumor pain]

The incidence of cancer pain is about 90%. The first step in the treatment strategy is a causal therapy, including tumor mass reduction. An adequate pain management should start sometimes before the onset of a causal treatment. A good pain relief in cancer patients is mostly possible by the consequent application of the World Health Organisation 3 step analgesic ladder for the treatment of cancer. Pain management has become more comfortable since the development of new ways of applications e.g. transdermal fentanyl, water soluble morphine granulate and retarded drugs. With those new preparations, we got new possibilities and a bigger variety in the practical use of the WHO analgesic ladder. Basics for a good social integration of the patient are treatment of side effects, periodic consultations and a professional psychological support.