Oral opioid administration is preferable in most cancer patients with pain. However, while the oral route is not available for different reasons, an alternative route of administration is often necessary in many clinical circumstances ⦋1⦌. The parenteral routes of administration consist in the intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous route (SC). Parenteral opioids have been used in different clinical situations. The aim of this short review is to provide an overview of the use of parenteral opioids for cancer pain management.
