Xing, S.Z., & Zhang, Y. (2015). Efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl for the treatment of oral mucositis pain caused by chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Supportive Care in Cancer, 23, 753–759.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl for mucositis pain caused by chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Forty-six patients with moderate to severe oral mucositis receiving chemoradiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were given transdermal fentanyl for pain management.
This was an unblinded, nonrandomized study.
Pain scores on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the National Cancer Institute's Common Toxicity Criteria, administration frequency of transdermal fentanyl, and post-treatment adverse effects data were analyzed using SPSS. The paired sample Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to evaluate differences before and after treatment, quality of life, nutritional status, and oral hygiene.
The NRS pain scores were p < 0.0001 before and after treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.001) were observed between the indices of quality of life. 15.2% of patients reported nausea and vomiting, 13% developed dizziness, and 10.9% complained of gastric discomfort. All these symptoms were mild and disappeared after proper management.
In this study, transdermal fentanyl was effective in reducing pain from oral mucositis caused by chemoradiotherapy.
Nurses should be aware of the benefits of transdermal fentanyl but also should be aware of its side effects and half-life so they can educate and support patients in pain.