Pain and Symptom Management

Symptom management is at the core of our care for patients with cancer. Without it, it is difficult to explore any other areas of distress, psychological, spiritual/existential, or emotional. Here you’ll find links to books and websites for assessment and management of all the common symptoms experienced by cancer patients, and articles that discuss particularly challenging topics.

Looking for something specific? Try the search bar below.

Explore all resources

Introduction

All

“What’s In a Name?”¹ – Well, A Lot, Actually…

2026 ASCO Supportive Oncology Updates

A case of esophagogastric junction cancer treated with pain control by administering methadone tablets through a gastrostomy.

A circadian and app-based personalized lighting intervention for the reduction of cancer-related fatigue.

A digital therapeutic application (ePAL) to manage pain in patients with advanced cancer; a randomized controlled trial.

A Practical Approach to Utilizing Adjuvant Analgesics in Adult and Older Populations

A Prospective Study of Prolonged Central Venous Access in Leukemia

A systematic review of salivary gland hypofunction and/or xerostomia induced by non-surgical cancer therapies: prevention strategies.

Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice (peer-reviewed expert opinion).

Advanced Pain Management in Cancer, with Guest Dr. Janet Abrahm

Advanced Supportive Care – Hypnosis and Virtual Reality – A Video Presentation by Dr. Janet Abrahm

Advanced Supportive Care- ASCO July 2025 Updates – A Video Presentation by Dr. Janet Abrahm

Aerobic exercise and aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms: results of a randomized clinical trial.

Algorithm-based Decision Support for Symptom Self-management Among Adults with Cancer: Results of Usability Testing

An examination of gastrointestinal absorption using the acetaminophen absorption test in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study.

Antiemetics: ASCO Guideline Update

Application of virtual reality for supportive care in cancer patients: a systematic review.

asbestos.com/blog/2024/11/02/mesothelioma-yoga-managing-anxiety-and-depression

Assessment and Management of Patients With Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression: A Multidisciplinary Review

Assessment of psilocybin therapy for patients with cancer and major depressive disorder.

Beyond opioids: a multidisciplinary approach to cancer pain management.

bioethics.northwestern.edu/programs/epec

Buprenorphine for Cancer pain- the safest opioid, and patients with cancer cannot get it.

Buprenorphine for cancer pain: results from a systemic review.

Cancer cachexia: ASCO guideline rapid recommendation update.

Cancer Pain Syndromes

Cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with cancer: ASCO guideline.

Cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with cancer: Guideline Q & A

Cannabis or Cannabinoids for management of chronic noncancer pain: best practice advice from the American College of Physicians.

Cannabis Use in Patients with Cancer: A Clinical Review

Clinical Decision Support for Symptom Management in Lung Cancer Patients: A Group RCT

Clinical efficacy of compression therapy in preventing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Clinician perspectives on delivering primary and specialty palliative care in community oncology practices.

Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer

Consensus-based Guidance on Opioid Management in Individuals with Advanced Cancer-related Pain and Opioid Misuse or Use Disorder

Could you miss these clues? Deceptive presentations of Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression

Counseling patients struggling with body image after cancer treatment

Creating Computable Algorithms for Symptom Management in an Outpatient Thoracic Oncology Setting

Delirium – Recognition and Management

Descriptive analysis of dexmedetomidine’s utility in a palliative care unit at the end of life.

Development of a Palliative Care Toolkit for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dexmedetomidine in palliative care: a versatile new weapon against delirium and pain—systematic review.

Dexmedetomidine: A Novel Strategy for Patients with Intractable Pain, Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia, or Delirium at the End of Life

Discussing some of the most common concerns related to sexuality and intimacy for patients with cancer

Distressing Therapy-Induced Side Effects

Drug interactions of clinical importance among the opioids methadone and buprenorphine, and other frequently prescribed medications: A review.

Effect of acupuncture for methadone reduction: a randomized clinical trial.

Effect of adding electro-acupuncture to standard triple anti-emetic therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Effective RX for CINV and MBO: Do we really need so many drugs?

Effective RX for CINV and MBO: Do We Really Need So Many Drugs?

Effects of cognitive behavioral digital therapeutic on anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with cancer: a randomized clinical trial.

Effects of intermittent hand-foot hypothermia therapy on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Efficacy and safety of pregabalin and gabapentin for pruritus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Efficacy of cannabinoids for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting—a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Efficacy of cryotherapy in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Elinzanetant for vasomotor symptoms from endocrine therapy for breast cancer.

Feasibility of Using Algorithm-Based Clinical Decision Support for Symptom Assessment and Management in Lung Cancer

GI Disorders

How providers can help patients address the challenges of communicating about intimacy at the end of life

How Supportive and Palliative Oncology Partnerships Provide Lifesaving Answers

HPMQ Video on Spinal Compression

https://doi.org/10.6004/jnccn.2025.0032

https://www.asco.org/news-initiatives/current-initiatives/cancer-care-initiatives/palliative-care-oncology

Implementing Institutional Change: An Institutional Case Study of Palliative Sedation

Integrating oncology care of symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with cancer: society for integrative oncology—ASCO guideline.

Integration of self-hypnosis in an enhanced recovery after surgery program in gynecologic oncology: a prospective randomized trial.

Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline

Introducing Dr. Sharon Bober

Janet Abrahm, MD Debunks Myths About Palliative Care

Ketamine use for cancer and chronic pain management.

Lessons From Black Ice

Management of anxiety and depression in adult survivors of cancer: ASCO guideline update.

Management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology – Society for Integrative Oncology (ASCO-SIO) Guideline update clinical insights.

Management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology guideline update.

Managing Pain in Cancer Patients

MASCC guideline: cannabis for cancer-related pain and risks of harms and adverse events.

MASCC guidelines: cannabis for psychological symptoms including insomnia, anxiety and depression.

MASCC/ISOO Expert Opinion on the Management of Oral Problems in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Methylene blue for the treatment of intractable pain from oral mucositis related to cancer treatment: an uncontrolled cohort.

Mind over Matter: How Hypnosis and Virtual Reality Can Help Patients with Cancer

Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) study: primary outcomes of a preference-based multisite randomized comparative effectiveness trial.

Music listening in stem cell transplantation and acute myeloid leukemia: a randomized clinical trial.

Naldemedine for opioid-induced constipation in patients with cancer: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Non-Pharmacologic Therapies for Pain Management in Patients With Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges

Opioid conversion in adults with cancer: MASCC-ASCO-AAHPM-HPNA-NISCO guideline.

Palliative Care Updates with Dr. Janet Abrahm

Palliative Care with Dr Janet Abrahm

Palliative Care x Dr. Janet Abrahm – Part 1

Palliative Care: Improving patient care, integrating mental health with Dr Janet Abrahm

Palliative Sedation: Policy and Use of Precedex

pallmed.net

Patient and caregiver perspectives on decision support for symptom and quality of life management during cancer treatment: Implications for eHealth

Patient and Family Concerns About Palliative Sedation

pinkbook.dfci.org

Ponsegromab for the treatment of cancer cachexia.

Preventive effects of progressive resistance training of different intensities on breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Problems that affect women with their sexual health and intimacy after cancer treatment

Proportional sedation for persistent agitated delirium in palliative care: a randomized clinical trial.

Psilocybin in Palliative Care: An Update

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy: What Insights It Can Offer Patients with Cancer

Psychedelics in Palliative Care

Puzzling Pain

Reassessing opioid conversion guidelines: narrow consensus and clinical challenges.

Redefining Palliative Care and The Role of Supportive Care in Cancer Treatment with Dr. Janet Abrahm

Safe and Appropriate Use of Methadone in Hospice and Palliative Care: Expert Consensus White Paper

Sex during and after treatment

Sexual dysfunction in women with breast cancer: a systematic review.

SIO-ASCO guideline on integrative medicine for cancer pain management: implications for racial and ethnic pain disparities.

Special concerns about sexual health and intimacy for lesbian women

Special concerns for men about sexual health and intimacy

Spinal Cord Compression in Patients With Advanced Metastatic Cancer: “All I Care About is Walking and Living My Life.”

Spirituality and sexual health among cancer survivors

Streptococcus salivarius K12 alleviates oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy for malignant head and neck tumors: a randomized controlled trial.

Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer.

survivingbreastcancer.org/podcast

Symptom management for well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: ASCO guideline.

The effect of exercise on pain in people with cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

The effect of music therapy on anxiety, depression, pain and sleep quality of lung cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The full bibliography for Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer

The impact of cannabis on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy:a systematic review of immunomodulator effects of cannabis in patients with and without cancer.

The Nature of Healing; The Modern Practice of Medicine

The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine

The role of dermocosmetics in the management of cancer-related skin toxicities: international expert consensus.

The role therapists can play in caring for the sexual health and intimacy concerns of patients with cancer and survivors

The Special Pains Breast Cancer Can Cause

thecspn.org

Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Psychedelic-assisted Therapy in the Context of Serious Illness

Top ten tips palliative care clinicians should know about the psychiatric manifestations of non-psychiatric serious illness and treatments.

Topical diclofenac for prevention of capecitabine-associated hand-foot syndrome: a double-blind randomized trial.

Treatment of intractable cancer pain with resiniferatoxin—an interim study.

Trends in outpatient opioid prescriptions for cancer pain between 2016 and 2021.

Understanding the definition of sex in the context of palliative care

Use of Opioids for Adults with Pain from Cancer or Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline 

Using data-driven clinical decision support to integrate precision cancer symptom management into the electronic health record.

Virtual reality in palliative care: a systematic review

Virtual reality-based supportive care interventions for patients with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

What’s New in Palliative Care? ASCO 2025 Highlights

What’s New in Supportive Oncology for Patients with Breast Cancer

Why it is important to discuss sex in the context of palliative care

Why Not Methadone?

Palliative Care (General)

Books

Abrahm JL (with Collins, M and Daubman, BR)

Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer

Johns Hopkins University Press. 2022

Abrahm JL (with Collins, M and Daubman, BR)

The full bibliography for Comprehensive Guide to Supportive and Palliative Care for Patients with Cancer

Johns Hopkins University Press. 2022

Cassell EJ

The Nature of Healing; The Modern Practice of Medicine

Oxford University Press. 2013

Articles

Cassell EJ.

The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine

N Engl J Med 1982; 306:639–645

DeLima Thomas J, Leitner RE, Abrahm JL, et al

Development of a Palliative Care Toolkit for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2020;60:e22-e25. S0885-3924(20)30425-5

Janet Abrahm, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, FASCO

How Supportive and Palliative Oncology Partnerships Provide Lifesaving Answers

Clinical Oncology: Independent News for the Oncologist and Hematologist/Oncologist. June 2024

Janet Abrahm, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, FASCO

Non-Pharmacologic Therapies for Pain Management in Patients With Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges

Onc Live, May 2024

McClouth LE, Borger T, Hoerger M, et al.

Clinician perspectives on delivering primary and specialty palliative care in community oncology practices.

Support Care Cancer 2024;32:627.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
Barriers to PC referral were found to include: misunderstanding that palliative care was designed only for patients not on active therapy; fear of sending the wrong message that the patient is dying when they are not; and burdening patients with more appointments. The strongest predictor of provider making a referral is the patient request for one!

Websites

ASCO resources for Palliative Care in Oncology

https://www.asco.org/news-initiatives/current-initiatives/cancer-care-initiatives/palliative-care-oncology

Educating Physicians in End-of-Life Care—Oncology

bioethics.northwestern.edu/programs/epec

Handbooks for symptom management in Cancer Patients: pain management (pink book), nausea and vomiting (green book); other symptoms (orange book).

pinkbook.dfci.org

Pall Med: Advancing Palliative Care Globally

pallmed.net

Podcasts

Breast Cancer Conversations

Redefining Palliative Care and The Role of Supportive Care in Cancer Treatment with Dr. Janet Abrahm

November 17, 2024

Geripal Podcast

Advanced Pain Management in Cancer, with Guest Dr. Janet Abrahm

September 29, 2022

Mental: The Podcast to Destigmatize Mental Health

Palliative Care: Improving patient care, integrating mental health with Dr Janet Abrahm

May 30, 2024

Oncology for the Inquisitive Mind

Palliative Care with Dr Janet Abrahm

July 27, 2024

The Cancer Pod

Janet Abrahm, MD Debunks Myths About Palliative Care

August 7, 2024

The Integrative Palliative Podcast

Palliative Care Updates with Dr. Janet Abrahm

January 23, 2025

Two Onc Docs

Palliative Care x Dr. Janet Abrahm – Part 1

August 27, 2024

Anxiety and Depression

Articles

Andersen BL, Lacchetti C, Ashing K, et al.

Management of anxiety and depression in adult survivors of cancer: ASCO guideline update.

J Clin Oncol 2023;41:3426-3453.

Carlson LE, Ismaila N, Addington EL, et al.

Integrating oncology care of symptoms of anxiety and depression in adults with cancer: society for integrative oncology—ASCO guideline.

J Clin Oncol 2023;41:4562-4591.

Carlson LE, Jones JM, Oberoi D, Piedalue K-A, Wayne PM, et al.

Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) study: primary outcomes of a preference-based multisite randomized comparative effectiveness trial.

J Clin Oncol 2025;43:2372-2386

Li Y, Ji S, Tao Y, Wang H, Wen Z, et al.

The effect of music therapy on anxiety, depression, pain and sleep quality of lung cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:169

Zion SR, Taub CJ, Heathcote LC, et al.

Effects of cognitive behavioral digital therapeutic on anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with cancer: a randomized clinical trial.

JCO Oncol Pract 2023;19:1179-1189.

Cannabis

Articles

Behling-Hess C, Simonson G, Salz T, Fleege N, Zylla D.

The impact of cannabis on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy:a systematic review of immunomodulator effects of cannabis in patients with and without cancer.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:166

Braun IM, Bohlke K, Abrams DI, et al.

Cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with cancer: ASCO guideline.

J Clin Oncol 2024;42:1575-1593.

Braun IM, Roeland EJ.

Cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with cancer: Guideline Q & A

J Clin Oncol Pract 2024;20:667-770.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
While cannabis is not indicated to treat cancer, the Guidelines state that it “may improve refractory, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when added to guideline-concordant anti-emetic regimens.” More research for other indications is urged, as whether it improves other symptoms is uncertain. CBD at 300 mg a day or more causes reversible liver enzyme elevations and may interfere with buprenorphine and tacrolimus metabolism.

Chow R, Basu A, Kaur J, Hui D, Im J, et al.

Efficacy of cannabinoids for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting—a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:193

DeFeo G, Case AA, Crawford GB et al.

MASCC guidelines: cannabis for psychological symptoms including insomnia, anxiety and depression.

Support Care Cancer 2023;31:176. Note: Only abstract content is available.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
MASCC guidelines 2023: counsel against its use for psychological symptoms in cancer until the evidence improves, or cancer pain.

Kansagara D, Hill KP, Yost J, Humphrey LL, Shaw B, et al.

Cannabis or Cannabinoids for management of chronic noncancer pain: best practice advice from the American College of Physicians.

Ann Intern Med 2025;178:714-724

To J, Davis M, Sbrana A, et al.

MASCC guideline: cannabis for cancer-related pain and risks of harms and adverse events.

Support Care Cancer 2023;31:202. Note: Only abstract content is available.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
MASCC guidelines 2023: counsel against its use for psychological symptoms in cancer until the evidence improves, or cancer pain.

Worster B, Hajjar ER, Handley N

Cannabis Use in Patients with Cancer: A Clinical Review

J Oncol Pract 2022; 18:743-752.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

Articles

Ran L, Dongxue G, Zirui Z, Jiwei H, Aijun D, et al.

Effects of intermittent hand-foot hypothermia therapy on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:43

Tai H-Y, Lin L-Y, Juang T-W, Gautama MSN

Efficacy of cryotherapy in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Support Care Cancer 2024;32:482

Zhang X, Yu L, Guo Y, Su J, Yang Y, et al.

Clinical efficacy of compression therapy in preventing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy: a prospective randomized controlled study.

Support Care Cancer 2025:33:527

Clinical Decision Support in the Electronic Medical Record for Symptom Management

Articles

Cooley ME, Abrahm JL, et al.

Algorithm-based Decision Support for Symptom Self-management Among Adults with Cancer: Results of Usability Testing

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making 2018; 18:31

Cooley ME, Blonquist TM, et al.

Feasibility of Using Algorithm-Based Clinical Decision Support for Symptom Assessment and Management in Lung Cancer

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2015 Jan;49(1):13-26

Cooley ME, Lenert LA, Abrahm JL, Lobach DF.

Using data-driven clinical decision support to integrate precision cancer symptom management into the electronic health record.

Sem Oncol Nurs 2025; 41: 15906 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2025.151937

Cooley ME, Lobach DF, et al.

Creating Computable Algorithms for Symptom Management in an Outpatient Thoracic Oncology Setting

J Pain Symptom Manage 2013;46:911-924

Cooley ME, Mazzola E, et al.

Clinical Decision Support for Symptom Management in Lung Cancer Patients: A Group RCT

Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 2022; 63:572-580

Cooley ME, Nayak MM, Abrahm JL, et al.

Patient and caregiver perspectives on decision support for symptom and quality of life management during cancer treatment: Implications for eHealth

Psychooncology. Psychooncology. 2017 26:1105-122017 26:1105-12

Delirium

Articles

Hofherr M, Abrahm JL, Rickerson E.

Dexmedetomidine: A Novel Strategy for Patients with Intractable Pain, Opioid-induced Hyperalgesia, or Delirium at the End of Life

J Palliat Med 2020; 23:1515–1517

Hui D, De La Rosa A, Tsai JS, Cheng SY, Del Fabbro E, et al.

Proportional sedation for persistent agitated delirium in palliative care: a randomized clinical trial.

JAMA Oncol 2025 Jul 31:e252212. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.2212. Online ahead of print.

Videos

Endocrine therapies-side effects

Articles

Exercise

Articles

Bender CM, Sereika SM, Gentry AL, Zhu Y, Wagner M, et al.

Aerobic exercise and aromatase inhibitor-associated musculoskeletal symptoms: results of a randomized clinical trial.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:244

Courneya KS, Vardy JL, O’Callaghan CJ, Gill S, Friedenreich CM, et al.

Structured Exercise after Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Colon Cancer.

N Engl J Med 2025;393:13-25; Editorial: Irwin ML. Extending cancer survival with exercise—time for oncology to act. N Engl J Med 2025;393:82-84

Plinsinga ML, Singh B, Rose GL, Clifford B, Bailey TG, et al.

The effect of exercise on pain in people with cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

Sports Medicine 2023;53:1737-1752

Zhang Z, Guo L, Zhou L, Hao x, Fan Y, et al.

Preventive effects of progressive resistance training of different intensities on breast cancer-related lymphedema.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:194

Fatigue

Articles

Bower JE, Lacchetti C, Alici Y, et al.

Management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: ASCO-Society for Integrative Oncology guideline update.

J Clin Oncol 2024;42:2456-2487

Mayer C, Walch O, Dempsey W, Hannay K, Clingan C, et al.

A circadian and app-based personalized lighting intervention for the reduction of cancer-related fatigue.

Cell Reports Medicine 6, 102001 March 18, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.102001

Mustian K, Lacchetti C, Zick S, et al.

Management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology – Society for Integrative Oncology (ASCO-SIO) Guideline update clinical insights.

JCO Oncol Pract 2024;1575-1579

The following abstract summary applies to both above ASCO Guidelines:
During cancer treatment: exercise, CBT, mindfulness-based programs and tai chi or qigong are recommended; psychoeducation and ginseng may be recommended.
For survivors: CBT and mindfulness-based programs help patients with moderate to severe fatigue; exercise is also recommended. Yoga, acupressure and moxibustion may be recommended.
For patients at the end of life: CBT (if time and attention allow) and corticosteroids
NOT RECOMMENDED: L-carnitine, antidepressants, wakefulness agents, or standing psychostimulants. (Stone PC, Minton O, Richardson A, et al. Methylphenidate versus placebo for treating fatigue in patients with advanced cancer: randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Oncol 2024;42:2382-2392).

GI Issues

Articles

Chow R, Basu A, Kaur J, Hui D, Im J, et al.

Efficacy of cannabinoids for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting—a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:193

Groarke JD, Crawford J, Collins SM, et al.

Ponsegromab for the treatment of cancer cachexia.

N Eng J Med 2024; 391:2291-2303.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
GDF-15 has been identified as a mediator of cachexia in patients with lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Inhibiting it with ponsegromab improved weight and acitivty and reduced symptoms of cachexia in a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Fingers crossed!

Hamano J, Higashibata T, Kessoku T, et al.

Naldemedine for opioid-induced constipation in patients with cancer: a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

J Clin Oncol 2024;42:4206-4217.

Hesketh PJ, Kris MG, Basch E, et al.

Antiemetics: ASCO Guideline Update

J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:2782-2797

Janet Abrahm, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, FASCO

Effective RX for CINV and MBO: Do we really need so many drugs?

Jones JA, Chavarri-Guerra Y, Cosa Corrêa, et al.

MASCC/ISOO Expert Opinion on the Management of Oral Problems in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:8761-8773

Peng X, Li Z, Pei Y, et al.

Streptococcus salivarius K12 alleviates oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy for malignant head and neck tumors: a randomized controlled trial.

J Clin Oncol 2024;42. Online article.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
Patients can get SsK12 (streptococcus salivarius K12) lozenges from NOW foods, USA. During XRT, they took them tid and avoided any oral intake for at least an hour.

Perez K, Del Rivero J, Kennedy EB, Basu S, Chauhan A, et al.

Symptom management for well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: ASCO guideline.

JCO Oncol Pract 2025; DOI https//doi.org/10.1200/OP-25-00133

Roeland EJ, Bohlke K, Baracos VE, et al.

Cancer cachexia: ASCO guideline rapid recommendation update.

The ASCO panel confirmed that there are NO FDA-approved medications to treat cancer cachexia, including olanzapine and mirtazapine.

Roldan CJ, Chung M, Feng L, et al.

Methylene blue for the treatment of intractable pain from oral mucositis related to cancer treatment: an uncontrolled cohort.

JNCCN 2021; 19:521-527.

Shen G, Ren D, Zhao F, et al.

Effect of adding electro-acupuncture to standard triple anti-emetic therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

J Clin Oncol 2024;42:4051-4059.

Presentations

Integrative Therapies

Videos

Methadone

Articles

McCance-Katz EF, Sullivan L, Nallani S.

Drug interactions of clinical importance among the opioids methadone and buprenorphine, and other frequently prescribed medications: A review.

2010. Am J Addict 19:4–16

McPherson ML, Walker KA, Davis MP, et al.

Safe and Appropriate Use of Methadone in Hospice and Palliative Care: Expert Consensus White Paper

J Pain Symptom Manage 2019; 57:635–645

Ouchi R, Suzuki H, Kurata N, et al.

A case of esophagogastric junction cancer treated with pain control by administering methadone tablets through a gastrostomy.

J Palliat Med 2024;27:1681-1684

Pain Management ASCO Guideline

Articles

Videos

Pain Management for Cancer Patients with Opioid Use Disorder

Articles

Pain Management - General

Articles

Admane S, Bramanti P, Fellman B, Rizvi A, Kolenc E, et al.

Trends in outpatient opioid prescriptions for cancer pain between 2016 and 2021.

JCO Oncol Pract 2025 DOI https://doi.org/10.1200/OP-24-00782

Azizoddin DR, Bulls HW, Kang HA, Enzinger AC.

Beyond opioids: a multidisciplinary approach to cancer pain management.

(editorial re: Admane article) JCO Oncol Pract 2025 DOI https://doi.org/10.1200/OP-25-00258

Case AA, David MP, Chwistek M, Zarrabi AJ.

Buprenorphine for Cancer pain- the safest opioid, and patients with cancer cannot get it.

JAMA Oncol 2025; E1 (Opinion)

Culp C, Kim HK, Abdi S.

Ketamine use for cancer and chronic pain management.

Front Pharmacol 2021;11:599721

Davis MP, Davies A, McPherson ML, Reddy AS, Paice JA, et al.

Opioid conversion in adults with cancer: MASCC-ASCO-AAHPM-HPNA-NISCO guideline.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:2432

Guisti R, Porzio G.

Reassessing opioid conversion guidelines: narrow consensus and clinical challenges.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:482 (editorial to Davis et al paper)

Mannes AJ, Heiss JD, Berger A, Alewine CC, Butman JA, et al.

Treatment of intractable cancer pain with resiniferatoxin—an interim study.

NEJM Evid 2025;4(6). DOI: 10:1056/EVIDoa2400423

Silveira M, Powell V.

Buprenorphine for cancer pain: results from a systemic review.

J Opioid Manag 2024;20:B12

Southren Dl, Nardone AD, Haastrup AA, Roberts RJ, Chang MG, et al.

An examination of gastrointestinal absorption using the acetaminophen absorption test in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study.

Nutr Clin Pract 2021;36:853-862

Presentations

Websites

Pain Management - Integrative Medicine

Articles

De Valois B, Young T, Zollman C, et al.

Acupuncture in cancer care: recommendations for safe practice (peer-reviewed expert opinion).

Support Care Cancer 2024:32:229.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
If you’re wondering who to refer safely for acupuncture, this will be a helpful, comprehensive guideline.

Iniesta MD, Ramirez PT, Munsell MF, Basabe S, Shen S-E, et al.

Integration of self-hypnosis in an enhanced recovery after surgery program in gynecologic oncology: a prospective randomized trial.

Gynecol Oncol 2025;198:96-103

Janet Abrahm, MD, FACP, FAAHPM, FASCO

The effect of music therapy on anxiety, depression, pain and sleep quality of lung cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Support Care Cancer 2025;33:169

Liou KT, Ashare R, Worster B, Jones KF, Yeager Ka, et al.

SIO-ASCO guideline on integrative medicine for cancer pain management: implications for racial and ethnic pain disparities.

JNCI Cancer Spectrum 2023;7:pkad042. https://doi.org/10.1093/jncics/pkad042

Lu L, Chen C, Chen Y, et al.

Effect of acupuncture for methadone reduction: a randomized clinical trial.

Ann Intern Med 2024;177:1039-1047.

Comments from Dr. Abrahm:
These were not cancer patients. They were patients 65 years of younger with opioid use disorder who had been using methadone maintenance treatment of at least 6 weeks.

Mao JJ, Ismalia N, Bao T, et al.

Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline

J Clin Oncol 2022; 40:3998-4024

Tai H-Y, Lin L-Y, Juang T-W, Gautama MSN

Efficacy of cryotherapy in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Support Care Cancer 2024;32:482

Palliative Sedation

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Dexmedetomidine

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Psychedelic Assisted Therapy

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Agrawal M, Emanuel E, Richards B, et al.

Sexual Dysfunction

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Spinal Cord Compression

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Abrahm JL, Banffy MB, Mitchel MB.

Skin Disorders

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Dreno B, Khosrotehrani K, DeBarros Sliva G, et al.

Virtual Reality

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Fereidooni M, Toni E, Toni E, et al.

Application of virtual reality for supportive care in cancer patients: a systematic review.

Support Care Cancer 2024:32:570. Note: Only abstract content is available.

Hao J, He Z, Li Y, et al.

Virtual reality-based supportive care interventions for patients with cancer: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Support Care Cancer 2024:32:603. Note: Only abstract content is available.

Martin JL, Saredakis D, Hutchinson AD, et al.

Virtual reality in palliative care: a systematic review

Healthcare 2022;10:1222.

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ASCO resources for Palliative Care in Oncology

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