Breakthrough cancer pain: from definition to clinical features

摘要

Patients suffering from cancer pain often report fluctuations in pain intensity. Breakthrough cancer pain (BtCP) is a phenomenon whereby pain intensity suddenly increases, 'breaking through' the normal level. The definition of BtCP has evolved as more has been learnt about the nature of the pain episodes and how they can be controlled. Recently, BtCP was defined as: 'a transient exacerbation of pain that occurs either spontaneously, or in relation to a specific predictable or unpredictable trigger, despite relatively stable and adequately controlled background pain.' (Davies et al, 2009).