Pruritus in cancer patients

Pruritus is an uncommon symptom in cancer patients but can often be difficu lt to treat. The pathogenesis is complex and is not fully understood althou gh there is evidence of involvement of a number of mediators from which tre atment options are developing. In cancer patients pruritus may be directly related to the cancer, indirectly related (e.g. cholestasis) or associated with treatment. It is not always possible to treat the underlying cause of the pruritus in these patients, or desirable to stop treatments that may co ntribute and in these cases we must address the pruritus itself. The treatm ent of pruritus is a developing area, and helpful research is slowly emergi ng, The evidence base is riot extensive but some high quality studies exist . This short paper briefly discusses the pathogenesis, causes, effects and treatment options for pruritus in cancer patients. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publis hers Ltd.