Our Comment:
Repeated reminders that opioids should not be used too cautiously, if they are indicated for severe pain, are justified. As soon as milder analgesics are not enough, it is advantageous to give regular oral morphine to cancer patients so as to prevent pain from developing. Other opioids do not generally offer noteworthy advantages. All of them are accompanied by the problem of constipation. Epidural infusion, that can be continued after release from hospital, may be considered for refractory cases.