Managing intrathecal drug delivery (ITDD) in cancer patients.

Overview

Pain is a commonly reported symptom in cancer patients. Patients with cancer pain often fail conservative medical management or have significant side effects to systemic medications. The implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery (ITDD) system may be the most effective treatment option for these patients and can improve their quality of life. This article aims to discuss the choice of intrathecal medications for patients suffering from intractable cancer pain, the management of ITDD throughout a patient's disease course, and the management of complications related to the ITDD system and intrathecal medications.