Importance of pain management in cancer patients and survivors

Pain is a constant companion across the cancer patient management pathway, right from diagnosis to the remission stage. Studies have shown that between 33% and 40% of cancer survivors have reported suffering from chronic pain, due to suboptimal pain management. 1 Paice J.A. Chronic treatment-related pain in cancer survivors. Pain. 2011; 152: S84-S89 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (72) Google Scholar ,2 Seretny M. Currie G.L. Sena E.S. et al. Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain. 2014; 155: 2461-2470 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (894) Google Scholar We have read with great interest the recommendations laid out in the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) clinical practice guidelines, advocating greater patient involvement in the cancer care continuum. 3 Di Maio M. Basch E. Denis F. et al. The role of patient-reported outcome measures in the continuum of cancer clinical care: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline. Ann Oncol. 2022; 33: 878-892 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (95) Google Scholar Maio and colleagues highlight the critical need for adopting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) along the entirety of cancer care trajectory ranging from treatment to survivorship. The role of patient-reported outcome measures in the continuum of cancer clinical care: ESMO Clinical Practice GuidelineAnnals of OncologyVol. 33Issue 9PreviewPatients with cancer frequently experience symptoms related to their disease or treatment-related toxicities. Symptom management through optimal supportive care is a foundation of quality care. While objective toxicities and laboratory results are amenable to reporting by health care personnel, subjective experiences such as symptoms are best reported by patients themselves.1 Traditionally, patients are relied upon to discuss symptoms and side-effects with the clinical team during hospital and clinic visits, when contacting their health care team between visits via telephone or, more recently, electronic messaging. Full-Text PDF Open ArchiveReply to the Letter to the Editor "Importance of pain management in cancer patients and survivors" by K. Bhatt et al.Annals of OncologyPreviewThe European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guideline about the role of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the continuum of cancer care was produced with the aim of improving detection, monitoring and management of symptoms of patients with cancer.1 Bhatt and colleagues, on behalf of the Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) platform, emphasize the importance of complementing the recommendations included in the guideline, by specifically highlighting the importance of addressing pain as a clinically relevant issue in the management of patients with cancer. Full-Text PDF