Intrathecal Analgesia Effects on Cancer Patients Discomfort Symptoms

Evaluation of Discomfort Symptoms in Patients With Refractory Cancer Pain and Intrathecal Analgesia Management

Intrathecal analgesia is used in refractory cancer pain because of drug sides effects or intractable pain. The aim of this approach is to improve pain management, and also to improve patient comfort. This study will assess patient discomfort symptoms before and after setting up intrathecal analgesia.

Descriptive multicenter study including patients with refractory cancer pain (unmanageable drug sides effects or intractable pain) who will receive intrathecal analgesia Patient discomfort symptoms will be evaluated before and after the beginning of intrathecal analgesia at 15, 30, 60 and 90 days.

Moreover, the impact on patient close relatives and on return home will be assessed.

Inclusion criteria:

• patients aged 18 and older
• obligation of affiliation or beneficiary of a social security scheme
• patients with cancer and refractory localized cancer pain because of drug side effects or intractable pain
• localized pain in topography accessible to intrathecal analgesia (legs, abdomen and pelvis, pancoast-tobias symdrom)
• patient's informed consent for the study
• patient able to complete the evaluation questionnaires
• estimed vital prognosis more than three month
• patient with all conditions for intrathecal anagelsia

Exclusion criteria:

• patient with intracranial hypertension
• refusal of patient to be included in the study
• refusal of patient to receive intrathecal analgesia
• patient with many refractory pain localizations not accessible to intrathecal analgesia