Breakthrough cancer pain management (BTcP)—gap analysis of the current Australian landscape

TL;DR

This study identifies gaps in breakthrough cancer pain management in Australia and suggests actions to improve diagnosis, treatment, and access to pain relief.

Contribution

The study proposes practical, evidence-based solutions to address inconsistencies and barriers in breakthrough cancer pain care in Australia.

Findings

Inconsistent definitions of breakthrough cancer pain hinder diagnosis and research comparability.

Limited use of validated assessment tools due to perceived burden and lack of clinical utility.

Restricted access to opioids and complex prescribing practices affect vulnerable populations.

Abstract

Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is an evolving clinical challenge, with limited guideline-specific direction. This study aimed to identify gaps in breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) diagnosis and management in Australia and propose practical, evidence-informed actions to improve assessment, prescribing and equitable access to effective analgesia.

A gap analysis was conducted between September 2023 and September 2024, using three hybrid roundtable meetings involving 13 medical and nursing clinicians and researchers. Participants were selected for expertise in BTcP, including rapid-onset opioids (ROOs) policy development, BTcP research and education. A targeted review of the literature and guidelines framed the discussions. Meetings were recorded, transcribed and iteratively member-checked; thematic synthesis identified key gaps and potential solutions.

Five interrelated gaps were identified: (1) inconsistent definitions of BTcP undermining case identification and research comparability; (2) assessment and measurement gaps with uptake of validated tools limited by perceived respondent burden and clinical utility; (3) heterogeneous approach to BTcP with limited comparative evidence guiding ROOs versus immediate-release opioid use and dosing strategies; (4) implementation and systems barriers including workflow, prescribing complexity and clinician training needs; (5) equity in opioid supply and restricted access to vulnerable populations. Recommended actions include Delphi consensus on definition, development and validation of subtype-sensitive assessment tools, pragmatic comparative effectiveness and implementation studies, co-designed prescribing templates and stakeholder engagement to address supply chain and regulatory barriers.

Sequential, coordinated efforts—consensus building, measurement development, targeted research, co-designed implementation supports and supply chain planning—are required to advance equitable, evidence-based BTcP care in Australia.