Management of pain in the terminally ill

Abstract

Improved diagnosis and advances in cancer treatment options has resulted in an increased demand for enhanced cancer pain management. An assortment of pharmacotherapy, especially opioids, helps to achieve significant pain relief in the terminally ill by following the established WHO analgesic ladder algorithm. Advanced and invasive interventions within appropriate multidisciplinary set up further helps to attain analgesia with low morbidity and better quality of life. This article lays out an overview of potential treatment options available for terminally ill cancer patients.