Morphine and alternative opioids in cancer pain: the EAPC recommendations

An expert working group of the European Association for Palliative Care has revised and updated its guidelines on the use of morphine in the managemen t of cancer pain. The revised recommendations presented here give guidance on the use of morphine and the alternative strong opioid analgesics which h ave been introduced in many parts of the world in recent years. Practical s trategies for dealing with difficult situations are described presenting a consensus view where supporting evidence is lacking. The strength of the ev idence on which each recommendation is based is indicated. (C) 2001 Cancer Research Campaign.