[Infusion of barbiturates as a compenent in the treatment of refractory pain in patients with terminal cancer].

Four patients with advanced cancer were referred to the Pain Team because of refractory pain symptoms. They received intravenous barbiturates prior to death. All attempts at palliative treatment had been exhausted. The symptoms were described by patients and family as unendurable. After adding intravenous thiopental, relief and tranquility were achieved. All four patients died peacefully. The need to sedate to a state of unconsciousness or semi-consciousness to relieve symptoms in dying cancer patients is extremely rare. After all viable alternatives have been explored, titrated barbiturate infusion as an adjuvant may fill a void in the care of especially challenging patients as they approach death from terminal cancer.