A clinical survey of controlled-release morphine sulphate for cancer pain relief in a Japanese hospice.

Seventy-six cancer patients were studied on the use of controlled-release morphine sulphate (MS Contin) for cancer pain relief in the hospice of Yodogama Christian Hospital in Japan. The mean initial and maximum dosages were 81.4 mg and 178.6 mg respectively. While 46 patients (61%) did not need an increase in the initial dosage, 26 patients (34%) needed an increase ranging between 8 and 125%. Four patients (5%) required an increment of more than 500% of the initial dosage, because of apparent nerve involvement. This clinical survey showed that the total effectiveness was 92% and that 90% of the patients could experience control of pain with a daily dosage of 240 mg or less of MS Contin. Side effects observed were as follows: drowsiness 21%, nausea 11%, vomiting 8%, constipation 8%, confusion 7%, hallucination 3%. In conclusion, MS Contin offers effective cancer pain relief with minimal side effects in the majority of patients.