The evaluation of analgesic effects in cancer patients as exemplified by a double-blind, crossover study of immediate-release versus controlled-release morphine.

12 cancer patients (aged 40–72 yrs) participated in a 2-phase randomized crossover trial, preceded by a titration phase, of the effects of immediate-release (IR) vs controlled-release (CR) morphine. Ss' pain was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Present Pain Intensity scale of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. Pain was evaluated 9 times daily, and side effects were rated once daily. Overall VAS scores during treatment were 1.3 with CR and 1.4 with IR. Differences in pain scores, side effects, and supplemental morphine requirement between IR and CR groups were not significant. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)