Oxycontin specifically for chemoradiation pin in head and neck cancer – pro
Combined chemotherapy and radiation may require short-term opioid support because of the pain in the radiated area. In a recent study, more than 90% of all head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy experience therapy-related pain for more than 6 weeks. 53% of the patients require opioids and 15% require strong opioids. OPioid supprt is needed for teh duration of combines chemoradiation treatment and two weeks after it, as pain subsides. However, there are no comparative studies of different opioid options, and the use of specifically Oxycontin cannot be said to be medically necessary over the formulary alternatives.
Muzumder S, Nirmala S, Avinash HU, Sebastian MJ, Kainthaje PB. Analgesic and Opioid Use in Pain Associated with Head-and-Neck Radiation Therapy. Indian J Palliat Care. 2018 Apr-Jun;24(2):176-178
Wang Y, Xing L. Role of Oxycodone Hydrochloride in Treating Radiotherapy-Related Pain. Pain Res Manag. 2020 Jan 30;2020:7565962.
WHO Guidelines for the pharmacological and radiotherapeutic management of cancer pain in adults and adolescents
1 January 2019
| Guideline – https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550390, Accessed 6/23/2024