Genetic and pharmacogenomic influences on cancer pain management : A scoping review

Abstract Background: This article presents the findings from a scoping review which explored the genetic influence in cancer pain among cancer patients worldwide. Objectives: To explore the genetic influence in cancer pain among cancer patients. Setting: The review explored global literature on genetic influence in cancer pain among cancer patients. Methods: The review was informed by the following questions: What specific genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic mechanisms have been investigated in relation to inter-individual variability in cancer pain perception and opioid response? What coping strategies are used in this context for cancer pain management? What is the range of reported clinical therapies and outcomes for cancer patients? What is the effect of genetic influence of cancer pain for care surgical nurses deliver to cancer patients? Results: The review found that the 11 included studies employed the genetic influence on cancer pain with contrasting genetic factors, epigenetics, pharmacogenomics in cancer pain management and cancer pain coping strategies. Most of the studies reported outcomes associated with patients’ reactions and positive changes in patients’ attitudes/perceptions and improvement in knowledge/skills as a result in cancer pain management. In contrast, fewer studies reported changes in participant behaviors, changes in organizational practice and improvements to patients. Conclusions: A number of educational, methodological and outcome implications are offered. Studying cancer pain management can enhance an education experience on cancer pain management, pain coping strategies, identification of genetic factors and epigenetic factors affecting for the cancer pain and genetic influence of narcotic drugs for cancer pain management.