Pergolizzi, S., Iati, G., Santacaterina, A., Palazzolo, C., Di Pietro, A., Garufi, G., & Ferrau, F. (2006). Treatment planning in patients with bone metastases. Final results of a prospective study using pre-medication with fentanyl to improve irradiation reproducibility. Supportive and Palliative Cancer Care, 2, 71–75.
To evaluate the compliance to radiation treatment planning of patients with bone metastases who have been premedicated with transdermal fentanyl
Fentanyl was delivered at 25–50 mcg/hour starting a week before treatment planning and during simulation. Immobilization devices were not mandatory.
Italy
Prospective study
Transdermal fentanyl is efficacious and associated with minimal side effects.
Previous studies have shown that perception of improved quality of life positively influences duration of survival.