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Continuing Education Information

Physicians' Education Resource is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Physicians' Education Resource designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Case Studies in Pain Management Vol. 2, No. 2

Release Date: September 29, 2008
Expiration Date: September 29, 2009

Publication Overview

Authors

Medical writer: Marissa Shrader, PhD; Reviewed by: Russell K. Portenoy, MD

Overview and Purpose

Chronic pain is one of the most frequent and distressing symptoms of cancer and is also one of the most challenging symptoms to manage with palliative treatment. Even though patients are living longer with cancer, the prevalence of cancer-related pain is not decreasing, despite an increased understanding of the pathophysiology of pain and improved treatment options. Patients with cancer can have somatic, visceral, or neuropathic pain alone or in combination; the majority of patients with cancer-related pain have some degree of neuropathic pain. Treatment options differ for each type of pain and include nonopioid analgesics, opioid analgesics, and coanalgesics, each of which produce symptoms that must also be considered in the overall management strategy for patients with chronic pain.

The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on treatment strategies for patients with different forms of cancer-related pain.

Target Audience

This activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with cancer-related pain. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:

  • Describe the etiology and potential symptoms of the different types of pain associated with cancer
  • Identify the practical issues associated with the administration of nonopioid and opioid analgesics in the management of cancer-related pain
  • Identify the analgesic agents available for intrathecal administration

Instructions for Participation

  1. Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
  2. Complete the Pretest
  3. Study the educational activity.
  4. Complete the CME test.
  5. Answer the evaluation questions.
  6. After successful completion of the CME test and evaluation, you will receive your certificate of credit online.
  • CME credit will be granted for only 1 form of participation, either online or via the printed publication.
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