Evaluating Interventional Radiology for Cancer Pain Management

Plain-language summary

Each year, the number of new cancer cases increases globally and the associated pain remains a major concern. The scientific literature shows that the prevalence and severity of cancer-related pain have decreased thanks to new therapeutic strategies and the efficacy of innovative treatments. Nevertheless, recent studies indicate that the prevalence of pain in patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer remains high. Cancer-related pain presents various characteristics, both in terms of timing (inflammatory and mechanical) and types (nociceptive, neuropathic, mixed, or visceral). This diversity in presentation and pathophysiology makes the condition complex, both in terms of symptom assessment and therapeutic management, requiring a multidisciplinary and often multimodal approach. In addition to pharmacological approaches, several non-pharmacological techniques are used for this purpose, as the interventional radiology (IR), so-called minimally invasive technique. The role of IR is becoming increasingly important in pain management, particularly in the context of a growing number of cancer survivors, improved survival in the metastatic setting and the limited effectiveness of opioids. These techniques include neurolysis, embolization, consolidation techniques, ablation, and percutaneous cervical cordotomy. The objective of the RI-Lief study is to evaluate the impact of interventional radiology on improving the quality of life of patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer. As part of the study, interventional radiology will be included in the standard patient care. The only additional procedure introduced by the research is the administration of questionnaires.

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