Chronic post cancer treatment pain

Definition

Chronic post-cancer treatment pain is pain caused by any treatment given to treat the primary tumour or metastases. The most common forms are: (i) Chronic painful chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy (CIPN): chronic peripheral neuropathic pain caused by oral or intravenous chemotherapy. (ii) Chronic post-radiotherapy pain: chronic pain caused by delayed local damage to the nervous system in the field of radiotherapy. It is distinct from pain caused by tumour recurrence or co-morbid disease. Other treatments include surgery (coded as chronic postsurgical pain) and hormonal therapy. Diagnostic Criteria: Conditions A to C are fulfilled: A. Chronic pain (persistent or recurrent for longer than 3 months) is present and characterized by all of the following: A.1 History of treatment with neurotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy or any treatment given to treat the primary tumour or metastases A2 It is likely that the pain is caused by the cancer treatment. B. One of the following applies: B1 An active or recurrent tumour or metastases have been specifically excluded on radiological investigation. B2 If an active or a recurrent tumor or metastases are present, the pain is not better accounted for by them. C. The pain is not better accounted for by another diagnosis of chronic pain.

Inclusions

• Chronic post cancer medicine pain
• Chronic painful chemotherapy-induced polyneuropathy
• Chronic post radiotherapy pain
• Chronic painful radiation-induced neuropathy

Index Terms