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Semin intervent Radiol 2007; 24(4): 419-429
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-992330
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Palliative Interventions for Pain in Cancer Patients

Alda Tam1 , Kamran Ahrar1
  • 1Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Publication History

Publication Date:
11 December 2007 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Pain is a debilitating problem that is common to most patients with cancer at some time during the course of their disease. Conventional therapies such as opiate analgesics and radiation therapy provide suboptimal and limited relief. Novel image-guided interventions have made a significant impact in the management of this difficult problem. This article reviews some of the most promising image-guided techniques for relieving bone and visceral pain in patients suffering from cancer.

KEYWORDS

Pain control - palliation - radiofrequency ablation - osteoplasty - embolization - nerve block

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Kamran AhrarM.D. 

Department of Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Box 325, Houston, TX 77030

Email: kahrar@mdanderson.org

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