Buprenorphine for Cancer Pain—The Safest Opioid, and Patients With Cancer Cannot Get It
A viewpoint published in JAMA Oncology argues that buprenorphine, a safer and effective opioid with fewer risks of overdose and sedation, should be the first-line treatment for cancer pain. Despite its benefits, access is limited due to high costs, restrictive FDA approvals, and insurance denials, causing significant barriers for patients and clinicians. The authors call for regulatory reform, insurance coverage expansion, and manufacturer support to make buprenorphine affordable and accessible for patients with cancer.