This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Prommer, E. E. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Prommer, E. E. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

Ziconotide: Can we use it in palliative care?

Division of Hematology/Oncology, UCLA School of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare Center, Palliative Care Program, Los Angeles, California

Ziconotide (PRIALT^®) is a new nonopioid treatment for chronic pain. It is a peptide that is the synthetic analog of the omega-conotoxin, derived from the marine snail, Conus magus. The therapeutic benefit of ziconotide derives from its potent and selective blockade of neuronal N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels. Interference with these channels inhibits input from pain-sensing primary nociceptors. A recent clinical trial demonstrated that ziconotide has a significant analgesic effect compared to placebo in patients considered intolerant or refractory to other treatment such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, or intrathecal (IT) morphine. Thus, ziconotide is the first of a new class of agents—N-type calcium channel blockers, or NCCBs. Ziconotide may represent another option for patients with refractory pain.

Key Words: ziconotide • PRIALT • omega-conotoxin • NCCB • pain management • analgesic • palliative care

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, Vol. 22, No. 5, 369-374 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/104990910502200510


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?