Complications of intrathecal drug delivery systems

Cancer and its treatments often result in complex combinations of nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Comprehensive pharmacologic management with opioids and antineuropathic medications can result in adequate pain control in a vast majority of patients. For patients who fail oral pharmacotherapy, intrathecal drug delivery systems can be used to treat pain from a localized source. When considering a patient for trial and possible implementation of an intrathecal drug delivery system, the risks associated with this invasive therapy must be weighed against the benefits and presented to the patient.