Analysis of Various Factors Associated With Opioid Dose Escalation in Patients With Cancer Pain

Introduction Pain is one of the most important symptoms in terms of prevalence and a major cause of distress in patients with cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze and identify the factors that influence the worsening of pain in patients with cancer necessitating opioid dose escalation. Methods The study was conducted in a single center. This study is a retrospective cohort study of 390 adult cancer patients. The primary endpoint was dose escalation for strong opioids. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a logistic regression model to evaluate the relationships of factors with opioid dose escalation for cancer pain. Results Polypharmacy was associated with opioid dose escalation (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.486-4.370, p = 0.001). Conversely, alcohol consumption was associated with a reduced need for dose escalation (aOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.376-0.985, p = 0.043). Conclusion The results of this study indicate that moderate alcohol consumption does not reduce the efficacy of opioids in patients with cancer pain. Meanwhile, patients receiving polypharmacy may be able to more rapidly alleviate their pain via early opioid dose modification.