Research shared with fellow oncologists finds certain patients may benefit from nonopioid alternative strategies
A study done by the doctors at CU Gynecologic Oncology found that nearly 3 in 10 cervical cancer survivors were still using opioids six months after completing radiotherapy. The study was presented at the 48th Annual Meeting of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology.
For the study, investigators analyzed demographic, disease and treatment data and opioid prescription history from 102 women with cervical cancer treated with radiation between 2011 and 2015 at University of Colorado Hospital.
Results showed that 32 percent and 28 percent of patients had persistent opioid use at three and six months after radiotherapy, respectively. Investigators found that patients younger than 40 years old, those with disease outside the pelvis, and those with a history of substance abuse or depression and/or anxiety had a significantly higher likelihood of persistent opioid use at six months.
The findings suggest that cervical cancer survivors who have undergone radiation treatment, especially younger patients or those who have a history of anxiety, depression or substance abuse, may benefit from nonopioid alternative strategies and additional support for pain control.