Is there a role for pharmacogenetics in the dosing of fentanyl?

Fentanyl is one of the most frequently used opioids for the treatment of severe chronic and acute cancer-related pain. It is the opioid of first choice in patients with renal impairment [1] and seems to be related with a lower incidence of severe constipation than other opioids [2]. Furthermore, it is available in various patient-friendly products for different clinical situations. The fentanyl patches result in continuous delivery of fentanyl during 72 h and are therefore ideal for the treatment of chronic severe pain. The formulations for buccal, sublingual or nasal delivery of fentanyl are, on the contrary, ideal for the...