Pregabalin as a Therapeutic Option for Neuropathic Pain in Oncology Patients: A Review of Literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2026.88.69370Keywords
pregabalin, neuropathic pain, cancer, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, radiotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, postmastectomy pain syndromeAbstract
Introduction. Neuropathic pain is a complex and debilitating condition resulting from damage to, or disease of, the somatosensory nervous system. In oncology, it represents a significant clinical challenge, occurring in up to 40% of cancer patients.
Effective management of neuropathic pain in oncological patients remains difficult, as standard analgesic regimens, including opioids, are often insufficient or associated with adverse effects that limit their use.
Aim. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of pregabalin in the management of neuropathic pain among cancer patients, with particular emphasis on its role in neuropathy induced by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and postmastectomy pain syndrome.
Material and Methods. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was conducted to identify only English- language studies published between 2019 and 2025 using the keywords: “pregabalin,” “neuropathic pain,” and “cancer.” Eligible full-text articles were analyzed with regard to methodology and outcomes.
State of Knowledge. Pregabalin, a ligand of the α₂δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, is one of the first-line agents in the treatment of neuropathic pain according to current EFNS and NeuPSIG guidelines. The efficacy of pregabalin appears to be variable.
Conclusions. Pregabalin has demonstrated a significant effect in reducing neuropathic pain in cancer patients. Differences in its therapeutic efficacy appear to depend on tumor type, the mechanism of neural tissue injury, drug dosage, and concomitant use of opioids or agents from other pharmacological classes. Furthermore, assessment of long-term safety and the impact of treatment on quality of life in oncology patients should remain a key focus of subsequent clinical trials.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sylwia Kozieł-Kwit, Klaudia Kozyra, Aleksandra Sado, Krzysztof Szada-Borzyszkowski, Mariusz Wręczycki, Filip Skowierzak, Kacper Sawczuk, Wiktoria Rogowska, Aleksandra Simlat, Bartłomiej Lisik
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