Background & Aims

Pain is one of the dominant symptoms in oncology practice. It is a complex phenomenon, with an impact on the quality of life and psychology of the cancer patient. Higher frequency and intensity of the pain (particularly in advanced stages of the disease) is associated with progressive functional deterioration. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and characteristics of pain and to determine its impact on malignant disease.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed the prevalence and characteristics of pain in patients hospitalized between September and October 2023 in the Medical Oncology Department of the Regional Institute of Oncology, Iasi. Data on the primary tumor, disease stage, presence of metastases, pain score, and its characteristics were included.

Results

95 patients with different neoplasms from early to advanced stages were included, 71 of them being metastatic (74.7%). The most common tumors where the pain was present were in the head and neck, bronchopulmonary, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. Half of the patients (52.1%) described the pain intensity as moderate. Severe pain was recorded in 20 patients (22.1%) and was statistically significantly associated with the presence of bone metastases (p=0.04) and neoplastic ascites (p=0.009).

Conclusions

The present study provides insight into the correlation between cancer and pain and draws attention to the need for accurate pain assessment so that appropriate therapeutic interventions can be used to achieve optimal and sustainable pain control.

References

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Presenting Author

Vladimir Poroch

Poster Authors

Vladimir Poroch

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Lead Author

Gema Bacoanu

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Lead Author

Irina Claudia Anton

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Lead Author

Eliza Maria Froicu

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Lead Author

Romeo Petru Dobrin

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Lead Author

Mihaela Poroch

Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iasi

Lead Author

Topics

  • Specific Pain Conditions/Pain in Specific Populations: Cancer Pain & Palliative Care