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Oncology and Spine Pain

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Abstract

Cancer pain is a significant problem that can severely impact the quality of life of patients and result in increased healthcare utilization. Bone pain is the most common cancer pain syndrome and often arises in the context of spinal metastases. A diagnostic approach to pain arising in the spine can simultaneously rule out potential oncologic emergencies and yield an effective therapeutic plan. The therapeutic approach to managing spine pain in the oncologic population should involve a multimodal, multidisciplinary approach. This chapter will explore a wide array of pharmacologic options, including the role of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, RANK-ligand inhibitors, and opioid therapies to manage spine pain. Non-pharmacologic interventions such as radiation, vertebral augmentation, radionuclide therapy, and neuraxial drug delivery will also be discussed. Indications and considerations for spine surgery will also be examined.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of General Internal Medicine, Center for Palliative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Daniel K. Partain

  2. Divisions of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Mihir M. Kamdar

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  1. Daniel K. Partain
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  2. Mihir M. Kamdar
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Correspondence to Mihir M. Kamdar .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Richard J. Kitz Professor of Anesthesia Research Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA

    Jianren Mao

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Partain, D.K., Kamdar, M.M. (2020). Oncology and Spine Pain. In: Mao, J. (eds) Spine Pain Care. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27447-4_17

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-27447-4_17

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-27446-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-27447-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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