Morphine

Hi Wildflower__,

Thanks for your question. My name is Matthew, and I work as part of the Online Community Team. We're the team who work on supporting our Online Community to make sure it stays safe and working well.

I'm so sorry to hear about your mum needing oral morphine, but I'm glad that it is bringing her relief. I can certainly appreciate you having some concerns over what you have been told by another patient.

Because your question really needs a reply from a qualified medical professional, I have moved it over to our Ask a Nurse forum. Our dedicated Cancer Information Nurse Specialists provide the replies there, so it’s the best place to ask any questions about cancer testing, treatment, medicines, or side-effects. A member of their team will aim to respond to your question within the next 1 to 3 working days.

If you need any help or support directly from Macmillan staff in the meantime, please don't hesitate to give our Macmillan Support Line a call. The Support Line teams can be reached on freephone 0808 808 00 00, and they're open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

Thank you so much :)

Dear Wildflower__,

Thank you for getting in touch with us and welcome to our online community.  I see that you are a member of the carer’s forum.  I hope that you are finding it a helpful and supportive place.  My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists at Macmillan.

It’s completely understandable that reading these studies would concern you, given that your mum is taking oral morphine for her pain. 

There are a number of studies on the effects of morphine on tumour growth as well as tumour inhibition.  These studies are mainly animal/mice studies and the evidence is conflicting. 

From what I have read, the influence of morphine on tumour growth in these studies depends on many factors and varies across different cancer types.  There are studies on specific cancer cells but again, these are animal or mice studies.

Animal experiments are often not replicated in human trials and do not always accurately reflect the complexities of human disease.  Therefore more research is definitely needed.

That being said, we know that morphine is used to good effect for people with cancer and managing pain before, during and after treatment is vital to both their physical and mental wellbeing. 

I would definitely speak to your mum’s oncologist about your concerns as they are the ones who will be monitoring your mum’s cancer and response to treatment.  They can have a more in-depth conversation with you about your concerns and worries.  They have a plethora of knowledge and experience with cancer patients who take morphine to relieve their pain. 

I hope you find this information helpful Wildflower.  However, we often find that we can help more by exploring your concerns over the phone.  You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts.  Phone free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm), or you can send us an email, too.

Take care and best wishes,

Adrienne, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref:  AMc//FP