Multidisciplinary treatment of pain caused by bone metastases in cancer patients: two case reports

Abstract

Over 50% patients with malignant neoplasms suffer pain. In Poland, about 200,000 people annually have to contend with this problem. It can arise from the prolonged lifespan of cancer patients, the development of iatrogenic pain syndromes, pain associated with cancer cachexia, or decreased efficacy of analgesics due to induced opioid tolerance. The commonly used term “cancer pain” actually refers to all types of pain. In order that each patient is optimally treated, it is necessary to identify the type and cause of their pain. One of the more difficult types of pain to treat is that due to bone metastases; with its inflammatory and neuropathic components. Every patient has the right to proper pain treatment, with the goal of achieving the maximum analgesic effect while minimizing any side effects.