Advances in the use of opioids in treating neuropathic cancer pain

Neuropathic cancer pain has been challenging for both physicians and patients. As opioids’ positive analgesic effect has been confirmed by some randomized studies in recent years, they are gradually becoming a first line option for the treatment of neuropathic cancer pain. Researches and trials in this field mainly concentrate on the pathogenesis of the pain and the metabolism, excretion and potential analgesic mechanisms of different opioids. Selective use of opioids, which has a dual mechanism of action, may be helpful in controlling neuropathic cancer pain. This review summarizes the different properties and usages of a variety of opioids.