Transdermal buprenorphine improves overall quality of life and symptom severity in cancer patients with pain

Abstract

Aim and objectives: This study explored the effect of transdermal buprenorphine on quality of life and six symptoms in cancer patients with pain.

Background: Transdermal opioids offer advantages over traditional routes of administration. The impact of transdermal buprenorphine on quality of life for patients with cancer in Asian populations is unknown.

Design: This study employed a single-arm observational repeated measures design. Cancer patients with pain were evaluated prior to treatment (baseline). Over a 4-week treatment period, quality of life and symptoms were assessed at 2 and 4 weeks. This study adhered to the recommendations of STROBE guidelines.

Methods: This multi-site study was conducted in six hospitals located across northern, middle and southern Taiwan. Adult cancer patients whose pain was previously stable with opioid analgesics and, based on clinical judgement, were able to convert to transdermal buprenorphine treatment were invited to participate. Quality of life was measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQ-C30).

Results: Generalised estimating equations showed participants who completed at least one follow-up measurement (N = 80) over 4-weeks had a significant improvement in overall quality of life. Functional status only improved for social functioning. However, symptom severity decreased significantly for nausea/vomiting, pain, insomnia and constipation.

Conclusions: The study provides initial evidence supporting transdermal buprenorphine for providing beneficial effects of improving quality of life and reducing severity of symptoms in Asian patients with cancer.

Relevance to clinical practice: The findings of this study can inform the clinical practice that the use of transdermal buprenorphine in cancer patients with pain may also reduce the severity of other symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Trial registration details: This study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT04315831.

Keywords: cancer pain; quality of life; symptom severity; transdermal buprenorphine.