Dexamethasone reduces radiation therapy–induced pain flare
AT THE ASTRO ANNUAL MEETING
In an editorial accompanying the published findings, however, Dr. Barry Laird and Dr. Marnie Fallon of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, comment: “Although the findings are encouraging, caution is advised before dexamethasone is used routinely to prevent pain flares after radiotherapy.”
While they commend the research team for performing the trial in this advanced cancer patient population, they note that the small reduction in pain flares seen may not be sufficient to warrant routine treatment with dexamethasone. They point out that the number needed to treat (NNT) was high, at 9-11, and that other analgesics, such as strong opioids had lower NNT (3-4) and so could perhaps be used instead. Steroids can also have adverse effects on muscle mass and glycemic control, they observed.
Dr. Chow, Dr. Fairchild, and a third investigator reported having no disclosures. The study was funded by a grant from the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute.
