76 Cancer-related neuropathic pain (CRNP): giving European patients a voice

Chronic Pain & Management, pp. A40.2–A40

Abstract

Background and Aims Neuropathic pain is a common long-term consequence of cancer and its treatments. A European survey has been conducted to collect insights about the diagnosis and management of CRNP and the impact on patient´s lives. Methods From February to June 2021, an online survey was conducted in 13 European countries. Adult (18+) patients consenting to participate, diagnosed with cancer and experiencing neuropathic pain according to DN4 criteria and finishing the survey were included in the analyses. Survey questions were prepared together with patient representatives, clinical experts and nurses. Patients were recruited via consumer and patient online market research panels and via patient associations. Results 549 respondents with CRNP completed the survey, thereof 62% females vs 38% males and 63% below the age of 56 years. 39% of patients had breast cancer and the remaining a variety of other cancer types. 32% had not received a formal CRNP diagnosis, although 89% met 4 or more DN4 criteria. 32% of respondents reported severe pain on a daily basis. 61% responded that CRNP negatively impacts their day-to-day activities and 30% had to retire or stop working because of their CRNP. Provision of better treatments to help manage CRNP are key for 76% of patients. Conclusions The results of this survey demonstrate that CRNP has a significant impact on the patients´ daily lives. Actions need to be taken to better educate healthcare professionals about the diagnosis and treatment of CRNP and to support healthcare professional-patient communication to achieve better outcomes.

Authors 7

1. Denis Dupoiron

   Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest

   Affiliation as printed

   Institut de Cancérologie de l’ouest, Département Anesthésie – Douleur, Angers Cedex 02, France

   Institut de Cancérologie de l'ouest, Département Anesthésie – Douleur, Angers Cedex 02, France

2. Silviu Brill
   Affiliation as printed

   European Pain Federation EFIC, Brussels, Belgium

3. C Eeltink

   Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, Netherlands

4. Begoña Barragán
   Affiliation as printed

   Grupo Español de Pacientes con Cáncer (GEPAC), Madrid, Spain

5. Diana Bell

   Macmillan Cancer Support

   Affiliation as printed

   Macmillan Cancer Support, London, UK

6. Garrett Petersen Aachen Grünenthal GmbH

   Grünenthal Group (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   Grünenthal GmbH, Aachen, Germany

7. Martin Rakuša

   University Clinical Centre Maribor

   Affiliation as printed

   University Medical Centre Maribor, Department of Neurology, Maribor, Slovenia