Vargas-Bermudez, A., Cardenal, F., & Porta-Sales, J. (2015). Opioids for the management of dyspnea in cancer patients: Evidence of the last 15 years—A systematic review. Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy, 29, 341–352.
STUDY PURPOSE: To review the evidence for opioids in the treatment of dyspnea in patients with cancer
TYPE OF STUDY: Systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Not specified or not applicable
APPLICATIONS: Palliative care
Overall, opioids were seen to be beneficial in reducing dyspnea.
This review adds to the body of evidence regarding the efficacy of opioids for the management of dyspnea in patients with cancer. Morphine is the most frequently studied opioid.