Published online Aug 15, 2016. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v8.i8.599
Peer-review started: February 12, 2016
First decision: March 23, 2016
Revised: March 25, 2016
Accepted: May 13, 2016
Article in press: May 27, 2016
Published online: August 15, 2016
Processing time: 181 Days and 3 Hours
Beside its poor prognosis and its late diagnosis, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most painful malignancies. Optimal management of pain in this cancer represents a real challenge for the oncologist whose objective is to ensure a better quality of life to his patients. We aimed in this paper to review all the treatment modalities incriminated in the management of pain in pancreatic cancer going from painkillers, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and interventional techniques to agents under investigation and alternative medicine. Although specific guidelines and recommendations for pain management in pancreatic cancer are still absent, we present all the possible pain treatments, with a progression from medical multimodal treatment to radiotherapy and chemotherapy then interventional techniques in case of resistance. In addition, alternative methods such as acupuncture and hypnosis can be added at any stage and seems to contribute to pain relief.
Core tip: This paper presents a road map for the pain management of pancreatic cancer. All treatment modalities incriminated in the management of pain in pancreatic cancer going from painkillers, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and interventional techniques to agents under investigation and alternative medicine are reviewed and their indications are discussed.