Grading clinical guidelines for the use of transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl products in breakthrough pain

Abstract

Pain is a complex symptom that is commonly feared in palliative care owing to its significant effects on patients’ quality of life (QoL), and is directly associated with morbidity. More specifically, the management of breakthrough pain (BTP) is particularly important. Opioids play a major part in the management of BTP, and the various transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) products are a common treatment choice. This paper considers the strength of the evidence underlying recommendations regarding the use of TIRF. Failure to consider the quality of evidence in practice can lead to misguided recommendations. Guidelines should therefore be used to inform clinicians of the quality of the underlying evidence and whether recommendations are strong or weak. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach is increasingly being adopted worldwide as it provides a system for rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendations that is clear, comprehensive, transparent, and practical. This paper adopts the GRADE approach to assess the strength of recommendations made in a 2011 review by Zeppetella in order to develop guidelines for the use of TIRF. The recommendations include that TIRF products can be considered for first-line treatment and that they should be individualised to patients who are on a background opioid.