Methadone versus other opioids for refractory malignant bone pain: a pilot randomised controlled study

Methadone versus other opioids for refractory malignant bone pain: a pilot randomised controlled study
[Australia] Supportive Care in Cancer; by Merlina Sulistio, Alexandra Gorelik, Hoong Jiun Tee, Robert Wojnar, David Kissane, Natasha Michael; 7/24
Refractory cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) affects a patient's functional capacity and quality of life, but there is limited evidence to guide opioid choice. We assessed the feasibility, tolerability and possible efficacy of methadone rotation (MR) compared to other opioid rotations (OOR) in this cohort. Of 51 eligible participants ... both groups displayed significant reduction in average ... and worst pain ... and total pain interference score. Oral morphine equivalent daily dose was reduced significantly in MR compared to the OOR group. The incidence of opioid-related adverse events following MR was unchanged but lower in the OOR group. There were no within-group or between-group differences in satisfaction with analgesia at the end of the study.