Loh, J., & Gulati, A. (2015). The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in a major cancer center for the treatment of severe cancer-related pain and associated disability. Pain Medicine, 16, 1204–1210.
To examine the usefulness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for cancer-related pain and functionality
Records of patients who received TENS were reviewed for data collection. High-frequency TENS was trialed. Patients who reported subjective pain relief were provided with a TENS unit and instructed to use it four to six times daily for 30–60 minutes. Prior to the trial, pain was assessed. Pain was reassessed between one and two months.
Retrospective, descriptive study
Overall, 69.7% of patients who trialed TENS reported benefits. Among those who responded to TENS (40 patients), there was an average VAS score decrease of 9.8 mm (p < 0.001).
TENS may be helpful for pain management in patients with cancer. The results from this study were inconclusive.
This study's findings regarding the efficacy of TENS for cancer-related pain treatment were not conclusive. Well-designed research evaluating its efficacy is needed so that options for improved pain management can be identified. Modalities such as TENS may be helpful adjuncts for patients who experience limited effectiveness with standard analgesics. However, good supporting evidence is needed.