Advances in the Management of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Cancer-Related Pain
Medscape Posting of the CME/CNE Symposium Presented at the
4th Annual Cancer Research Pain Consortium Conference
April 14, 2018
New Orleans, LA
Archived, for viewing purposes only.
While effective, opioids are commonly associated with opioid-induced constipation (OIC), an adverse event that is well-known to physicians and especially, to oncology advanced practitioners. OIC is often unrecognized, under assessed, and ineffectively managed, and may compromise the effectiveness of the patient’s comprehensive treatment plan, and has been reported to interfere with pain management, increase healthcare costs, decrease work productivity and daily activities, and significantly affect QoL. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recognizes the burden of OIC to the patient and advises in their Adult Cancer Pain guidelines that “patients taking daily opioids almost always require agents for the management of constipation” and that “prevention of expected analgesic effects, especially constipation in the setting of opioid use, is key for effective pain management”.
Thus, clinicians, physicians and oncology advanced practitioners, need to be aware that the appropriate use of opioids, as well as assessment and management of OIC, are important strategies for pain management and establishing maximum function for cancer patients. This CME/CNE symposium features a multi-disciplinary faculty presenting insights and experience to guide clinicians collaboratively through the challenges and opportunities of managing OIC in cancer patients.