The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center implemented an approach to post-surgery pain management that is focused on maximizing non-opioid techniques first, using opioids only as a back-up option.
Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in the tissue around oral cancers both increases nerve sensitivity and makes opioids less effective, according to a study conducted by researchers at NYU, MD Anderson, and Loma Linda University. The finding points to a shared mechanism underlying both oral cancer pain and opioid tolerance, and a possible new treatment strategy for both.
