Question

A 68-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has severe cancer-related pain despite regular paracetamol and NSAIDs. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Start a regular oral opioid such as sustained-release morphine with breakthrough doses

Answer

Avoid opioids due to risk of dependence

Answer

Use benzodiazepines as primary analgesia

Answer

Rely on NSAIDs alone at higher doses

Answer

Recommend alternative therapies only

Practice question

A 68-year-old man with metastatic lung cancer has severe cancer-related pain despite regular paracetamol and NSAIDs. What is the most appropriate next step?