Consequences of opioid exposure in disease-free cancer survivors: A systematic literature review.
Albert M Truong, Susan Hong, Erica R Brody et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic literature review examined the consequences of persistent opioid exposure after curative-intent treatment in disease-free cancer survivors. Searches identified 13 observational studies assessing survival, cancer recurrence, opioid-related harms, opioid use disorder (OUD), and health care resource use (HRU). Results for survival and recurrence were mixed, while opioid-related harms and HRU were generally higher among persistent opioid users. Only one study evaluated OUD and found no statistically significant association after adjustment for confounders. The review highlights limited, heterogeneous evidence in this population.
Key findings
- The review included 13 observational studies, with substantial variation in definitions of survivorship and persistent opioid use.
- Opioid-related harms and health care resource use were the most frequently reported outcomes and were generally higher among persistent opioid users.
- Studies reported mixed associations between opioid exposure and survival or cancer recurrence.
- One study assessed OUD and found no statistically significant association with persistent opioid exposure after adjustment for confounders.
Why it matters
Persistent pain management may continue after curative-intent cancer treatment, but the long-term consequences of opioid exposure in disease-free survivors remain uncertain. The review suggests potential burdens in adverse drug events and health care use, while evidence on survival, recurrence, and OUD is limited or inconsistent. Better evidence could help inform balanced survivorship care.
What to keep in mind
Only 13 observational studies were included, and definitions of survivorship and persistent opioid use varied substantially. Findings were mixed for several outcomes, and OUD was assessed in only one study.