Opioids in cancer pain

Opioids have become invaluable in modern medicine but it is essential that they are prescribed with an understanding of the complex pharmacology behind their effectiveness; without this, they will frequently fail to achieve their enormous potential of pain relief, minimal side effects, and improved function. In addition, opioids come with problems, including side effects such as constipation, respiratory depression, and sedation, as well as the potential for substance abuse. Clinicians handling the complex pain problems of cancer patients must incorporate the insight of basic scientists and pharmacologists, and this new edition of this comprehensive text brings together a wealth of experience from those involved in all aspects of opioids, with a view to improving both clinician understanding and patient care. The text includes comprehensive coverage of the principles of opioid pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacogenetics. A chapter is dedicated to each of the main opioids, with topics such as structure, routes of administration, toxicity, drug interactions, and effects on organ function included within each one. The book concludes with several chapters dedicated to discussion of the major issues relevant to opioid use, including substance abuse, dosing strategies for acute and chronic pain, patient controlled analgesia, equianalgesia, spinal opioids, pain that doesn't respond to opioids, and the terminal phase. This text is the most complete and extensive work available on the use of opioids for cancer pain, and is an important reference for those clinicians treating individuals with cancer.