METHODS: This is a retrospective case series. Records of patients who received at least one lidocaine infusion for pain between 2003 and 2013 at the BCCA were reviewed. The primary end points were the documentation of clinical benefit and adverse effects.
RESULTS: A total of 122 lidocaine infusions were administered in 51 individual patients. Twenty-five (49%) had a major response, 12 (23.5%) had a minor response, and 14 (27.5%) were considered nonresponders. Twenty-two (43.1%) patients were noted to have some adverse effect during at least one of the infusions, but only 1 (1.9%) patient had the infusion permanently discontinued. The most common side effects were drowsiness (30.7%), perioral numbness (13.4%), nausea (5.7%), and minor fluctuations of blood pressure (3.8%).
CONCLUSIONS: This case series demonstrates that our protocol of infusional lidocaine can be beneficial to patients with cancer with severe opioid-refractory pain, and can safely be administered with close observation and vital sign monitoring, without ECG monitoring. Lidocaine infusion is a useful option to consider when other pain treatments have not been successful. Although only approximately half of patients will respond well, there is little harm to be expected from a trial of lidocaine infusion and responders can be repeatedly treated. This treatment could be delivered in palliative care units, hospices, or even patients\' homes, providing suitable nursing supervision can be provided.