NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The transdermal therapeutic system-fentanyl (TTS-F) is a safe and effective long-term analgesic option for moderate to severe cancer pain, both in patients who have previously been given oral morphine and those who have not, according to results of a study conducted in Greece.

Dr. Kyriaki Mystakidou and colleagues from the University of Athens, assessed the safety and efficacy of TTS-F in the long-term control of cancer pain, measured on a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS), in 268 opioid- naïve patients (group A) and 321 patients transferring from morphine (group B).

The researchers assessed overall treatment satisfaction on a 4-point scale. In addition, they recorded quality of life (QOL) end ECOG status.

The team reports in the November 10th issue of the International Journal of Cancer that 47 patients withdrew from treatment because of inadequate pain relief, including 31 patients in group A and 16 in group B. Twelve patients (two in group A and 10 in group B) withdrew for personal reasons. No withdrawals were reported as a result of side effects, and no grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred.

The investigators found that 530 (90%) patients were satisfied with their pain relief.

"Analysis of patients at baseline, 28 days, 6 and 12 month time points (n =153 group A; n = 214 group B) with respect to QOL and pain measures indicated a statistically significant (p < 0.001) improvement in all measures across time independent of pain type, or any other patient characteristic(s)," Dr. Mystakidou and colleagues write.

They recommend that TTS-F be considered "as a first line analgesic approach for carefully selected and monitored patients experiencing moderate to severe cancer pain."

Int J Cancer 2003;107:486-492.

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