Comparison of sustained-release morphine with sustained-release oxycodone in advanced cancer patients
2003

Comparing Morphine and Oxycodone for Cancer Pain

Sample size: 22 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Lauretti G R, Oliveira G M, Pereira N L

Primary Institution: University of São Paulo

Hypothesis

Does the combination of morphine and oxycodone provide better pain relief than morphine alone in cancer patients?

Conclusion

The combination of morphine and oxycodone results in less need for additional pain relief compared to morphine alone.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients using both morphine and oxycodone needed 38% less rescue medication than those using morphine alone.
  • Patients reported less nausea and vomiting when using oxycodone compared to morphine.
  • The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of São Paulo's Teaching Hospital.

Takeaway

This study found that using both morphine and oxycodone together helps people with cancer pain feel better and need less extra medicine.

Methodology

A randomized, double-blind, crossover study comparing morphine and oxycodone in 26 patients with chronic cancer pain.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of blinding for the pharmaceutical who assigned dosages.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and lacked a washout period between treatments.

Participant Demographics

Patients were 59±19 years old, with a male to female ratio of 15:7.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6601365

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