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Multicenter clinical study for evaluation of efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl matrix patch in treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain in 474 Chinese cancer patients

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Chinese Journal of Cancer Research

Abstract

Objective

Although a new matrix formulation fentanyl has been used throughout the world for cancer pain management, few data about its efficacy and clinical outcomes associated with its use in Chinese patients have been obtained. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the new system in Chinese patients with moderate to severe cancer pain.

Methods

A total of 474 patients with moderate to severe cancer pain were enrolled in this study and were treated with the new transdermal fentanyl matrix patch (TDF) up to 2 weeks. All the patients were asked to record pain intensity, side effects, quality of life (QOL), adherence and global satisfaction. The initial dose of fentanyl was 25 μg/h titrated with opioid or according to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. Transdermal fentanyl was changed every three days.

Results

After 2 weeks. The mean pain intensity of the 459 evaluated patients decreased significantly from 5.63±1.26 to 2.03±1.46 (P<0.0001). The total remission rate was 91.29%, of which moderate remission rate 53.16%, obvious remission rate 25.49% and complete remission rate 12.64%. The rate of adverse events was 33.75%, 18.78% of which were moderate and 3.80% were severe. The most frequent adverse events were constipation and nausea. No fatal events were observed. The quality of life was remarkably improved after the treatment (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

The new TDF is effective and safe in treating patients with moderate to severe cancer pain, and can significantly improve the quality of life.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Breast Oncology, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China

    Yu-lin Zhu, Guo-hong Song & Jun Ren

  2. The PLA Military General Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, 100009, China

    Duan-qi Liu

  3. No. 3 People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610031, China

    Xi Zhang

  4. The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China

    Kui-feng Liu

  5. Hubei Cancer Hospital, Wuhan, 430079, China

    Ai-hua Zang

  6. Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130012, China

    Ying Cheng

  7. Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210009, China

    Guo-chun Cao

  8. The Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, China

    Jun Liang

  9. Qingdao Cancer Hospital, Qingdao, 266042, China

    Xue-zhen Ma

  10. Shanghai Huaihai Hospital, Shanghai, 200031, China

    Xin Ding

  11. Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, 215001, China

    Bin Wang

  12. Tianjin People’s Hospital, Tianjin, 300121, China

    Wei-lian Li

  13. Wuhan Integrated TCM & Western Medicine Hospital, Wuhan, 430070, China

    Zuo-wei Hu

  14. Pu Ai Hospital of Wuhan City, Wuhan, 430070, China

    Gang Feng

  15. Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310009, China

    Jiang-jin Huang

  16. Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, 310022, China

    Xiao Zheng

  17. The General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, Beijing, 100853, China

    Shun-chang Jiao

  18. Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China

    Rong Wu

Authors
  1. Yu-lin Zhu
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  2. Guo-hong Song
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  3. Duan-qi Liu
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  4. Xi Zhang
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  5. Kui-feng Liu
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  6. Ai-hua Zang
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  7. Ying Cheng
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  8. Guo-chun Cao
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  9. Jun Liang
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  10. Xue-zhen Ma
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  11. Xin Ding
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  12. Bin Wang
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  13. Wei-lian Li
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  14. Zuo-wei Hu
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  15. Gang Feng
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  16. Jiang-jin Huang
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  17. Xiao Zheng
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  18. Shun-chang Jiao
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  19. Rong Wu
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  20. Jun Ren
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jun Ren.

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Zhu, Yl., Song, Gh., Liu, Dq. et al. Multicenter clinical study for evaluation of efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl matrix patch in treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain in 474 Chinese cancer patients. Chin. J. Cancer Res. 23, 317–322 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11670-011-0317-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11670-011-0317-7

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