Sequential flex mode for intrathecal infusion after continuous mode failure: a retrospective follow-up study for refractory cancer pain management

The authors aimed to evaluate whether a novel sequential flex mode of intrathecal infusion could provide better pain relief for patients with refractory cancer pain compared to the traditional continuous flow rate mode, particularly after the latter has failed. In their retrospective study of 53 patients, they found that 71.7% experienced at least a 30% reduction in pain, with a significant decrease in median pain scores after switching to the sequential flex mode. The findings suggest that this new infusion strategy may enhance analgesic efficacy without increasing daily drug dosages.