BACKGROUND/AIM: To evaluate the tolerability and effectiveness of pregabalin for the treatment of opioid-resistant neuropathic pain associated with bone metastases in patients with cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study reviewed medical records from Kindai University Hospital between 2015 and 2020. Pregabalin tolerability was evaluated based on treatment continuation and the occurrence of adverse events. Effectiveness in pain relief was assessed using changes in the numerical rating scale (NRS) over a 7-35-day observation period, which was specifically defined to exclude the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. RESULTS: . 61 years). Twelve patients who continued treatment (Group 2) were evaluated for effectiveness. A consistent reduction in NRS scores was observed in eight patients (67%) who continued treatment, with four patients (33%) achieving a 50% or greater reduction in neuropathic pain intensity. Although the maximum pregabalin dose ranged from 50 to 300 mg/day, pain relief was observed in 80% (four of five patients) even at low dosages (50-75 mg/day). CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests pregabalin may mitigate opioid-resistant neuropathic pain in patients with bone metastases, often at relatively low dosages. However, approximately 20% of patients, particularly older individuals, were intolerant to the medication. Initiating treatment at a low dose may be important for improving tolerability in older patients with cancer.
Sakai et al. (2026) studied this question.