LCI-NOS-PAIN-001: A Prospective, Pharmacogenomic-Driven Study of Pain Management in Oncology Outpatients

About half of all cancer patients seen in oncology clinics have pain at initial assessment; pain relief within a one-month period is seen in approximately one third of these patients and pain worsening in about one fifth. Risk factors for under-treatment of cancer pain include age older than 65 years, minority status, and inadequate pain assessment practices. There is a need for better methods of opioid drug/dose selection and identification of risk factors for worsening pain. Pharmacogenomic approaches offer insight into the genetic variables that impact the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic behavior of opioids. Translating pharmacogenomic results into actionable prescribing decisions may ultimately enable a personalized approach to pain management, increasing the chance of significant pain improvement. Cancer outpatients with uncontrolled malignant pain will be offered a pharmacogenomic test through participation in the study. The results of this test will be used to modify their pain regimen, if applicable.