OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pregabalin in the management of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in patients with childhood solid tumors and leukaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an open-label study, 30 children (11 boys and 19 girls; mean age 13.5 years) who were treated for solid tumors and leukaemia, and developed a painful peripheral neuropathy, were medicated with pregabalin in the daily dose of 150-300 mg for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients completed the 8-week follow-up. A significant and long-lasting pain relief was noted in 86% of these patients. Median VAS score decreased by 59% at the 8th week from baseline. Adverse effects were infrequent and transient. CONCLUSION: The treatment with pregabalin resulted in a significant improvement in pain symptoms. The use of pregabalin in children is off-label so far. However, this drug seems to be a safe and effective remedy, which could significantly broaden the therapeutic spectrum in paediatric oncological patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pregabalin in the management of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain in patients with childhood solid tumors and leukaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an open-label study, 30 children (11 boys and 19 girls; mean age 13.5 years) who were treated for solid tumors and leukaemia, and developed a painful peripheral neuropathy, were medicated with pregabalin in the daily dose of 150-300 mg for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients completed the 8-week follow-up. A significant and long-lasting pain relief was noted in 86% of these patients. Median VAS score decreased by 59% at the 8th week from baseline. Adverse effects were infrequent and transient. CONCLUSION: The treatment with pregabalin resulted in a significant improvement in pain symptoms. The use of pregabalin in children is off-label so far. However, this drug seems to be a safe and effective remedy, which could significantly broaden the therapeutic spectrum in paediatric oncological patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
Authors: Kari L Bjornard; Laura S Gilchrist; Hiroto Inaba; Barthelemy Diouf; Marilyn J Hockenberry; Nina S Kadan-Lottick; Daniel C Bowers; M Eileen Dolan; Nicole J Ullrich; William E Evans; Kirsten K Ness Journal: Lancet Child Adolesc Health Date: 2018-09-01