Effectiveness of rapid titration with intravenous administration of oxycodone injection in advanced cancer patients with severe pain

Some cancer patients suddenly develop severe, excruciating pain that requires rapid management using opioid medication. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rapid titration using oxycodone injection. Study subjects were advanced cancer patients who experienced severe pain (numeric rating scale >= 7) and needed prompt pain relief. Primary endpoint was (i) time required for the initial sign of significant analgesia to become evident. Secondary endpoints were (ii) pain relief stabilization success rate and (iii) adverse effects. Groups treated with oxycodone (oxycodone group) and morphine (morphine group) were retrospectively compared. The oxycodone group had 33 cases and the morphine group had 32 cases: (i) 15.6 +/- 4.3 min in the oxycodone group and 19.3 +/- 4.7 min in the morphine group (P = 0.001); (ii) 70 and 63% within 24 hours, and 88 and 84% within 48 hours in the oxycodone group and the morphine group, respectively (P = 0.36, 0.48). Although (iii) adverse effects appeared in both groups in the form of respiratory suppression, etc., the effects were mild. Rapid titration using oxycodone injections may be considered a beneficial choice.