250 Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain in Cancer Patients

Backgrounds and aims. Neuropathic pain can be seen in advanced oncological patients and it is a great challenge as is often very difficult to treat successfully without interfering with patient's quality of life. Our main objective is to know the prevalence of neuropathic pain among oncological patients admitted to several palliative care units in Spain over the month of november 2006. Methods. Multicentric and retrospective study carried out in patients admitted in five palliative care units (Balaguer, Barcelona, Lleida, Madrid, Badajoz). We study age, gender, main diagnosis, incoming date, discharge date, existing neuropathic pain and treatment. Results. Fifty-nine patients were included in the study (39 male and 20 female) with a global mean of age of 69 years (Male 71.1; Female 69.8). Fifteen patients were diagnosed of neuropathic pain (25.42%). Lung (n = 14) and colon (n = 8) were the most seen diagnosis. Regarding the most used treatments in patients with neuropathic pain, dexamethasone was used in seven patients, amitriptiline in 3, NSAIDs in 5, benzodiacepines in 6, anticonvulsants in 5 and strong opioids in 14. Discussion. According to our study, neuropathic pain can be considered highly prevalent among advanced cancer patients (25.42%) admitted in palliative care units, being lung cancer the most frequently diagnosis seen. Regarding the treatments used, gabapentine is the only anticonvulsant used. Among strong opioids, oxycodone and transdermal fentanyl are the analgesic most prescribed.