Advanced strategies for cancer pain management with intraspinal therapy

The treatment of pain associated with cancer that does not respond to oral pharmacological therapy has been greatly facilitated by the implementation of intraspinal techniques. The use of intrathecal catheters and programmable pumps provide an excellent alternative for these patients who are expected to survive for more than three months. However, it is recognized that neuropathic pain is the most frequent cause of failure when aggressive pharmacological therapy is implemented and as a result of it, the use of adjuvants such as bupivacaine and clonidine is necessary. This article deals with the steps to be implemented to guarantee a high degree of success when using this approach.