Oral application of magnesium-L-threonate enhances analgesia and reduces the dosage of opioids needed in advanced cancer patients-A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of oral administration of magnesium-L-threonate, a novel magnesium compound, on the analgesic effect of opioids in patients with advanced cancer.

METHODS

We performed a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Eligible cancer patients who took opioids orally were assigned randomly to receive L-TAMS capsules (1.5 g or 2.0 g according to weight) or a placebo (starch capsules). The primary outcome was the increase in the daily oral dose of morphine in each of the two groups, measured at 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, and 90 days during this trial.

RESULTS

A total of 116 patients from the oncology and pain departments, including inpatients and outpatients, were screened; 83 were enrolled. The increases in daily morphine doses began to differ from day 30 (L-TAMS group 9.85 mg/d vs. Placebo group 20.49 mg/d, p < 0.05); the differences persisted on day 60 (L-TAMS group 15.96 mg/d vs. Placebo group 29.06 mg/d, p < 0.05) and on day 90 (L-TAMS group 21.20 mg/d vs. Placebo group 40.44 mg/d, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

L-TAMS outperforms a placebo in enhancing the analgesic effect of opioids and reducing the necessary opioid dosage. Moreover, L-TAMS can significantly relieve opioid-induced constipation. These advantages may be beneficial to patients with advanced cancer.