[Opioid switch and change of route of administration in cancer patients treated by morphine].

This paper reviewed the 2002 guidelines established by the National Federation of Cancer Centres. A group of experts nominated by the 3 French Societies involved in the treatment of cancer pain (AFSOS, SFAP, SFETD), established new guidelines ratios for morphine switching and/or changing of route of administration, in patients for whom either pain was not adequatly managed or adverse effects were unbearable. After a rapid reminder of the pharmacokinetics and metabolism properties of morphine, experts explained why the theory of opioid rotation (oxycodone, hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, tapentadol) using fixed equianalgesic ratios is not any more appropriate for a secure clinical practice.

[Management of analgesics in cancer patients with renal impairment].

Pain is frequent in cancer patients. To date, there is a consequent therapeutic arsenal so to manage pain; the different treatment strategies are the subject of various recommendations. Patients with cancer also frequently suffer from renal insufficiency, and this comorbidity may disrupt or jeopardize the analgesic strategy by changing the risk-benefit ratio of treatment options.