Utilization of gabapentin for cough in cancer: A case series.

241Background: Refractory cough is a significant problem for cancer patients. Therapeutic options are suboptimal and based on low quality of evidence. Gabapentin is a gamma aminobutyric acid analog that may regulate neurotransmitter release via activity at the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage dependent calcium channels. It is hypothesized to ameliorate cough through a central mechanism and is effective in relieving chronic refractory idiopathic cough. However, gabapentin has not been studied in cancer patients with cough. We report the use of gabapentin for chronic, refractory cough in adult cancer patients. Methods: We identified 3 male patients with metastatic cancer evaluated by palliative care for refractory cough. Data regarding diagnosis previous treatments for cough, dosage of gabapentin, and symptomatic outcomes are reported. Results: Case 1 is a 68 y.o. male with NSCLC and malignant pleural effusion had chronic cough despite thoracentesis that was associated with fatigue, sleep disturbance, and w...