Surgical techniques for patients with cancer-related neuropathic pain

Abstract In this manuscript, we discuss the use of neuromodulatory techniques such as intrathecal therapy and spinal cord stimulation for cancer pain in neuro-oncology patients. Currently, cancer pain management relies on oral opioids, which have a number of systemic side effects particularly in a chronic setting. An escalation of pain therapy for pain relief, such as neuromodulation, is necessary to improve neuro-oncology patients’ quality of life. The paper highlights the need for more comprehensive pain management for patients during and after receiving cancer therapies. Intrathecal therapy (IT) allows analgesics to bypass the blood brain barrier, generating rapid and effective analgesia with fewer side effects than oral drug administration. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can interrupt pain signals via electrical stimulation of the dorsal columns of the spinal cord. Here we present rationale and highlight individualized treatment options for these neuromodulatory techniques’ use in a neuro-oncological setting.