More Aggressive Pain Management Needed With Recurrent Rectal Cancer

More aggressive pain management strategies may be needed for patients who have been treated for locally recurrent rectal cancer, according to researchers reporting in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

The researchers said that because survival of these patients is limited, pain control and quality of life are important considerations in planning a treatment strategy.

In a study of 45 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer, the researchers found that all 15 patients who were treated with nonsurgical palliation -- an approach designed to control pain and suffering rather than cure the disease -- nevertheless reported moderate to severe pain beyond the third month of treatment.

And they said the 30 patients who underwent surgery for their recurrent rectal cancer reported comparable levels of pain during the first 3 postoperative years. Long-term survivors, however, reported minimal pain and good qualify of life.

"Patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer treated with nonsurgical palliation or resection experience significant levels of pain after treatment," the researchers concluded. "More aggressive pain management strategies may improve posttreatment quiality of life."

Other Sources:Journal of Clinical Oncology