Long-term intrathecal infusion of morphine in the home care of patients with advanced cancer

Background: Fear of infections and other complications has made many clinicians avoid intrathecal application of morphine in chronic cancer pain. However, recent comparative studies show that, in long-term treatment, intrathecal morphine administration may give a more satisfactory pain relief with lower doses of morphine and fewer side-effects than epidural administration. In Montpellier Cancer Institute, first cancer pain patients received long-term intrathecal morphine as early as in 1979, and since then more than 400 patients have been treated.
Methods: In 1991–1994, 50 patients having refractory cancer pain were treated with a continuous intrathecal infusion of morphine using an external pump with patient-controlled boluses. In this retrospective study, the outcome of these 5602 days of morphine therapy will be analysed. The treatment consisted of a lateral puncture technique, strictly aseptic conditions during catheter insertion and changes of pump reservoirs, and effective prevention of side-effects.
Results: The average duration of intrathecal infusion was 142 (7–584) days. The mean starting dose, 2.5 (0.4–8.3) mg/day, increased to a mean final dose of 9.2 (1–94) mg/day, the average dose being 5.4 (1–23) mg/day. During the treatment period, no clinically detectable infections and no respiratory depression occurred. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid followed by post-spinal headache occurred in only 6 patients who received a temporary external catheter: the lateral lumbar puncture technique seemed to protect from this complication in long-term treatment. The patients stayed at home, coming to agreed control visits only at 4–6-week intervals, using a telephone-telefax service for emergencies.
Conclusions: Long-term intrathecal morphine infusion seems to provide satisfactory analgesia, few side-effects and a high degree of patient autonomy.