Cancer survivors: long-term opioid therapy – the challenge

Abstract

The use of opioids in cancer survivors with chronic pain raises concerns as it occurs with chronic non-malignant pain .Thus, in some circumstances advanced therapeuthic strategies should be performed to allow pain control for prolonged periods of time We describe a case of a long-survivor patient receiving prolonged opioid therapy. She received multiple opioid rotations or some more complex treatments, including burst of ketamine and midazolam, which allowed to maintain an acceptable pain control for 12 years, despite her poor compliance. Different opioids in different phases were given. A high level of knowledge, experience, and assessment is mandatory to implement of pain management among survivors.