Leech Therapy for Symptomatic Relief of Cancer Pain

  1. Mehmet Emin Kalender MD1,
  2. Gazi Comez MD2,
  3. Alper Sevinc MD1,*,
  4. Ahmet Dirier MD3,
  5. Celalettin Camci MD1

Article first published online: 2 MAR 2010

DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00800.x

Issue

Pain Medicine

Pain Medicine

Volume 11, Issue 3, pages 443–445, March 2010

Additional Information

How to Cite

Kalender, M. E., Comez, G., Sevinc, A., Dirier, A. and Camci, C. (2010), Leech Therapy for Symptomatic Relief of Cancer Pain. Pain Medicine, 11: 443–445. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2010.00800.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Departments of Medical Oncology,

  2. 2

    Internal Medicine, and

  3. 3

    Radiation Oncology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey

*Alper Sevinc, MD, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep Oncology Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. Tel: +90 342472 07 17; Fax: +90 342 472 07 18; E-mail: sevinc@gantep.edu.tr.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 2 MAR 2010
  2. Article first published online: 2 MAR 2010

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Keywords:

  • Cancer Pain;
  • Leech;
  • Leiomyosarcoma;
  • Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objective.  Most patients with advanced stage cancer report moderate to severe pain. The leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is commonly used in traditional medicine for relief of localized pain.

Design.  We report a case of severe pain related to advanced stage cancer successfully treated by self-applied leeches.

Setting and Patients.  A 62-year-old male patient with synchronous renal cell carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma was admitted with severe pain in the lumbar region. The pain was refractory to radiotherapy, and systemic and epidural analgesic infusion.

Results.  Two months the patient came to the clinic in good condition free of pain. The patient reported outpatient self-treatment with seven leeches to the lumbar region in the interim that resulted in complete healing of pain.

Conclusions.  This is the first report indicating possible activity of leeches in cancer pain.

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