Some Unconventional Modifications of Pain Management in Advanced Cancer

Pain is a common major symptom of advanced cancer and over the years numerous agents and methods have been developed for pain control. However, not all patients would respond to treatment, and of those that respond, many would develop drug resistance or intolerable side effects. This is a review of some simple unconventional agents and methods which might hopefully bring some relief to the sufferings of these unfortunate patients. These include the revival of an abandoned old drug like thalidomide, unconventional route of administration of the common paracetamol and the uncommon use of botulinum toxin, the unconventional exploitation of methylnaltrexone in conjunction with opioids, the potential of a newcomer, suzetrigine and a brief review of complementary medicine. It is hoped that judicious application of these agents might bring more relief of pain and suffering to some of the advanced cancer patients.