Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Capsaicin Patch (Qutenza®) in Cancer Patients With Neuropathic Pain

Drugs for neuropathic pains are generally represented by antidepressants, anti-epileptics, opioids, lidocaine patch. However, these drugs can frequently be insufficient, and/or can lead to side effects. Qutenza (8% capsaicin patch) presents an interesting alternative.

Qutenza efficacy has been shown in five principal studies conducted on 1988 adults affected by moderate or severe neuropathic pains. All patients presented Postherpetic neuralgia, or HIV associated therapy, or painful diabetic peripheric neuropathies. These studies led to qutenza approbation in Europe and in States in 2009.

In oncology, neuropathic pains are relatively frequent and can be induced by the three big actors of the anti-cancerous therapeutic arsenal (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy). In usual practice, some units are usually using qutenza, but the use of this patch for this kind of patients has not been shown in a prospective study. Advantages of this treatment are numerous, and results presented in other therapeutic area are encouraging its use in oncology.

The present prospective study proposes to evaluate the qutenza efficacy in peripheric neuropathic pain in cancer patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient with at least 18 years old;
• Patient presenting neuropathic pain secondary to an anti-cancerous treatment;
• Patient presenting a DN4 (Neuropathic Pain in Four Questions) score superior or equal to 4 out of 10
• Patient presenting a skin without lesion at the painful area
• Informed consent form signed;
• Patient affiliated to a social security scheme.

Exclusion criteria

• Hypersensitivity known to capsaicin;
• Instable or uncontrolled hypertension;
• Painful area localised next to eyes;
• Pregnant or breastfeeding woman;
• Protected people.