Treatment of Cancer Pain Using an Implantable Intrathecal Pump

This prospective interventional clinical study investigates the use of an implantable intrathecal pump for the management of refractory cancer-related pain. Patients with advanced malignant disease and insufficient pain control despite optimized systemic opioid therapy are included.

Participants are assigned to one of two treatment approaches: implantation of an intrathecal pump for continuous intrathecal delivery of analgesic medication, or standard care using a subcutaneous infusion pump delivering equipotent analgesic doses. Analgesic regimens are adjusted according to clinical response and patient needs.

Pain intensity is assessed using validated pain scales, and symptom burden is monitored regularly. Quality of life is evaluated using standardized questionnaires at baseline and during follow-up. Additional outcomes include opioid consumption, adverse events, and patient satisfaction with pain management.

The study is conducted at a single tertiary oncology center and follows ethical principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. All participants provide written informed consent prior to enrollment. Findings from this study are intended to inform clinical decision-making and support the integration of implantable intrathecal pumps into standard oncological pain management.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with advanced malignant disease.
• Age between 40 and 80 years.
• Cancer-related pain with intensity ≥ 5 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) despite optimized conventional analgesic therapy.
• Daily opioid requirement equivalent to ≥ 200 mg oral morphine, or inability to tolerate systemic opioid therapy due to adverse effects.
• Expected life expectancy of at least 6 months.
• Physical condition allowing implantation of an intrathecal pump or use of a subcutaneous infusion pump.
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Refusal or inability to provide informed consent.
• Severe cardiac disease (NYHA class > III).
• Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (FEV1 < 40%).
• Presence of significant neurological disease.
• Presence of severe psychiatric disorder.
• Regular use of psychotropic medications that could interfere with pain assessment.
• Age younger than 40 years or older than 80 years.