The US Food and Drug Administration recently approved fentanyl(Drug information on fentanyl) buccal soluble film (Onsolis), a medication intended for certain patients with cancer to help manage breakthrough pain.
Onsolis delivers fentanyl via an absorbable film that sticks to the inside of the cheek. The drug is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer, ages 18 and older, who already use opioid pain medication around the clock and who need and are able to safely use high doses of an additional opioid medicine. Such patients are considered opioid tolerant because of their current opioid medication use.
Because fentanyl is subject to abuse and misuse, Onsolis was approved with a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, or REMS, which is a required plan for managing risks associated with a drug or biological product.
A 70-year-old man with a history of localized prostate cancer treated with whole-pelvis radiation therapy with a boost to the prostate, in conjunction with androgen deprivation therapy 7 years prior, presented with lower back pain. A bone scan revealed an area of activity in the sacrum. What is the most likely diagnosis?
