Subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia with hydromorphone for the treatment of refractory cancer pain in older hospitalized patients: a retrospective real-world study

Background Refractory cancer pain remains difficult to control in older adults, particularly when oral opioid regimens are limited by dysphagia, nausea, bowel dysfunction, or rapidly fluctuating symptom intensity. In this retrospective real-world study conducted in a dedicated geriatric oncology ward, subcutaneous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with hydromorphone was evaluated as a routinely implemented rescue strategy for severe opioid-refractory cancer pain. Objective To evaluate the effec