Reviewer: Judith A. Paice, PhD, RN (Northwestern University)
Description: This comprehensive overview of cancer pain management is a resource for all oncologists, oncology nurses, and other professionals. The book is divided into four sections encompassing 20 chapters, most of which include treatment algorithms, numerous tables, and useful illustrations.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, practical work that addresses assessment, management, pathophysiology, and other factors that influence the pain experience. This is an important objective, filling a critical need for oncology professionals. The editors have exceeded this objective.
Audience: According to the editors, the target audience includes healthcare professionals and students who are involved in the care of persons with cancer. The editors are highly regarded in this field, having conducted research, published, and lectured extensively on this topic. The 54 authors are experts in cancer pain, representing numerous disciplines. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center is well-represented among the authors, with 28.
Features: The first part of the book addresses core principles such as assessment, pharmacology, management of adverse effects, and neurobiology of pain. Part 2 includes chapters on specific syndromes such as bone, neuropathic, and wound-related pain. The eight chapters in Part 3 integrate varied yet essential topics: psychiatric issues, cultural concerns, family dynamics, spirituality, ethics, rehabilitation, complementary and alternative approaches, and pediatric care. The fourth section describes the role of interventional therapies, surgery, and radiotherapy for pain control. Four appendixes comprise the fifth, and final, section: The M.D. Anderson Approach to Cancer Pain, Troubleshooting Intrathecal Infusion Pumps, Practical Options for Distress Screening, and Dosing Strategies for Oral Methadone. Several outstanding features distinguish the book. The assessment chapter incorporates very specific physical assessment methods used to differentiate pain syndromes and presents excellent illustrations as a visual guide. The chapter on the application of pain management principles in specific settings uniquely addresses the way cancer pain management might vary given a particular setting of care (e.g., the emergency department, ICU, or hospice). The chapter on skin pain and wound management is an important addition to any resource on pain, yet is rarely included. This chapter is practical and includes many photographs to illustrate a variety of wound management techniques. Of note is the chapter on pain in those who are long term survivors, a population that is greatly increasing with improved cancer therapies. As with any book, there are a few limitations. The appendixes are nice additions, yet they are not referenced within the corresponding chapter. The reader might miss the excellent appendix on methadone conversions when reading the chapter on opioid pharmacotherapy. Additional information on adjuvant analgesics would be helpful, as some of the more challenging neuropathic pain syndromes require an understanding of their use.
Assessment: This book is comprehensive in scope and multidisciplinary in its approach. It is an excellent resource for oncologists, fellows, residents, medical students, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals who provide care for people with cancer.
