Efficacy of intrathecal drug delivery system for refractory cancer pain patients: A single tertiary medical center experience

Between 10% and 20% of cancer pain patients fail to obtain adequate pain relief despite comprehensive medical management. The totally implantable programmable intrathecal drug delivery system (IDDS) is an attractive option for managing refractory cancer pain. In suitable patients, IDDS can provide reliable long-term analgesia without any permanent nerve or plexus destruction. IDDS can also allow patient care on an outpatient basis. In Taiwan, however, the experience of using IDDS in terminally ill cancer patients is very limited. Methods: This retrospective study, describes experience of managing totally implantable programmable IDDS in 6 refractory cancer pain patients including patient selection, intraspinal morphine trial, surgical techniques, complications, and drug adjustment. Pain scores and functional status were compared before and after IDDS. Results: By delivering liberal dose of intrathecal morphine, patients’ pain scores decreased from 10 to 3.5. Due to much better pain control and improved quality of life, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status also improved in 4/6 patients. During the mean 5 ± 4.1 months of follow-up, two patients experienced pocket seroma, and resolved spontaneously after short-term abdominal binder compression. Otherwise, no serious complication was noted. Conclusion: Intrathecal morphine delivery by using totally implantable programmable IDDS is an effective method to relieve refractory cancer pain