WHO guidelines for the pharmacological and radiotherapeutic management of cancer pain in adults and adolescents
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World Health Organization
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138 p.
These evidence-based WHO guidelines provide recommendations for the pharmacological and radiotherapeutic management of cancer pain in adults and adolescents, including older people. They are intended to support physicians, nurses, pharmacists and caregivers in the assessment and treatment of pain associated with cancer or its treatment, while also assisting policy-makers and programme managers in developing balanced policies on opioid availability and prescribing regulations. The document is designed to inform national guidelines and promote the integration of cancer pain management into person-centred primary health care. The guidelines address three main areas: initiation and maintenance of analgesia, including opioid selection, administration, rotation and discontinuation; the use of adjuvant medicines such as steroids, antidepressants and anticonvulsants; and the management of pain related to bone metastases through pharmacological and radiotherapeutic interventions. They emphasize that optimal pain management aims to achieve an acceptable quality of life, should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual, integrate pharmacological and supportive care, ensure patient safety, and promote equitable access to affordable analgesic medicines, including opioids, while supporting implementation through evidence-informed clinical practice and health policy.
These evidence-based WHO guidelines provide recommendations for the pharmacological and radiotherapeutic management of cancer pain in adults and adolescents, including older people. They are intended to support physicians, nurses, pharmacists and caregivers in the assessment and treatment of pain associated with cancer or its treatment, while also assisting policy-makers and programme managers in developing balanced policies on opioid availability and prescribing regulations. The document is designed to inform national guidelines and promote the integration of cancer pain management into person-centred primary health care. The guidelines address three main areas: initiation and maintenance of analgesia, including opioid selection, administration, rotation and discontinuation; the use of adjuvant medicines such as steroids, antidepressants and anticonvulsants; and the management of pain related to bone metastases through pharmacological and radiotherapeutic interventions. They emphasize that optimal pain management aims to achieve an acceptable quality of life, should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the individual, integrate pharmacological and supportive care, ensure patient safety, and promote equitable access to affordable analgesic medicines, including opioids, while supporting implementation through evidence-informed clinical practice and health policy.