A pilot study, review of the literature, and dosing guidelines for patient-controlled analgesia using subcutaneous morphine sulphate for chronic cancer pain

Abstract

Providing effective pain control without side effects is a major challenge in patients with advanced cancer. Oral analgesics may not be practical for a variety of reasons, and several alternatives for parenteral administration are available, including patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). This is a report of a pilot study of the effectiveness, dose requirements, side effects and practicality of continuous subcutaneous morphine infusion delivered by PCA in nine patients. A review of the literature of subcutaneous morphine infusions and guidelines for use are described. Continuous subcutaneous infusion of morphine via a PCA device appears to be a safe and effective method of pain control in patients with advanced cancer.