The Treatment of Cancer Pain

ADVANCES in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, coupled with an expanded understanding of the physiology, pharmacology, and psychology of pain perception, have led to improved care of the patient with pain from cancer.1 Improved methods of cancer diagnosis and treatment provide the best approach to managing pain by treating its cause. Before the start of antitumor therapy or when such therapy is unsuccessful or irreversible injury to bone, soft tissue, or nerve has occurred, however, adequate pain control is essential.Management of pain in patients with cancer requires specific expertise that includes a knowledge of the clinical pain syndromes . . .