Predictors of opioid use at long-term follow-up following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Context Long-term opioid use after radiation therapy remains a clinically important issue among cancer survivors and patients with chronic pain. Identifying factors associated with opioid use at long-term follow-up may help target early interventions and supportive care resources. Objective To identify demographic, clinical, pain-related, and opioid-related factors associated with opioid use at FU2 (the second follow-up assessment occurring ≥180 days after the completion of radiation therapy). Methods Retrospective cohort study of patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) with available pain and opioid follow-up data. Opioid use at long-term follow-up (FU2) was defined by active (scheduled or as-needed) opioid prescriptions at ≥180 days after RT. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of opioid use at long-term follow-up (FU2). Candidate predictors included demographic variables, smoking history, opioid use before RT, baseline pain scores, longitudinal pain burden (AUC), and pain scores after RT. Results Higher opioid use within one week before RT start was independently associated with opioid use at FU2. Weekly pain burden during RT and early post-treatment pain scores demonstrated trends toward significance. Demographic factors, including age, sex, and smoking status, were not significantly associated with opioid use at long-term follow-up (FU2). Conclusions Pre-treatment opioid exposure was independently associated with opioid use at long-term follow-up (FU2). Prospective studies are required to determine whether pre-treatment opioid optimization improves long-term outcomes.
Source: Oral Oncology Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,100
OpenAlex ID: W7221955189