Morphine or Fentanyl for Refractory Dyspnea in COPD (MoreFoRCOPD)

Rationale: The most important complaint in severe COPD is dyspnea which is associated with a diminished exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life and can lead to anxiety and depression. If dyspnea continues to exist despite optimal therapy it is called refractory dyspnea. There is evidence that morphine is effective and can safely be prescribed for treating refractory dyspnea. However, a Dutch study recently showed that few pulmonologists actually prescribe opioids for this indication. The main reasons for this are concerns about side effects and respiratory insufficiency as well as negative emotions for the patient and families at the thought of using morphine. Most studies investigating opioids for treatment of dyspnea are conducted with morphine tablets, and only a part of these patients suffered from COPD. To our knowledge there has not been a randomized controlled trial investigating fentanyl patches for refractory dyspnea in COPD patients. However, studies comparing fentanyl and morphine in pain management show that patients may prefer fentanyl patches and have less problems with obstipation. Objective: There are three main objectives for this study. First, the investigators will investigate the following hypothesis: Both fentanyl and morphine provide a reduction of dyspnea which is better than placebo. Fentanyl has less side effects than morphine. Secondly, with this Dutch multi-center study the investigators would like to enlarge the evidence base and contribute to the experience with opioids for refractory dyspnea in COPD thereby greatly facilitating its implementation in the Netherlands. Finally, the investigators will develop and evaluate educational material about opioid use for dyspnea in COPD. Study design: This is a multi-center double blind, double-dummy cross-over randomized placebo-controlled trial with three study arms. A total of 60 COPD patients will be included in this study. Participants will be treated sequentially with three combinations of medication and/or placebo medication in a random order. They will receive either a Fentanyl patch in combination with placebo tablets, a placebo patch with Morphine Slow release tablets or a placebo patch with placebo tablets. Main study parameters/endpoints: The primary endpoint is change in dyspnea sensation Secondary endpoints are change in HR-QoL, anxiety, sleep quality, hypercapnia and the number and seriousness of side effect.

For both morphine retard capsules as fentanyl patches there is a placebo available. Participants will be treated in each period with both tablets and a patch. (morphine capsules+placebo patch, placebo capsules+fentanyl patch, placebo capsules+ placebo patch.)

Change in dyspnea sensation measured on a Numeric Rating Scale from 0 to 10. A lower score represents a better outcome.

Change in HR-QoL measured with the Clinical COPD Questionnaire. Scores range from 0 to 6. Lower values represent a better outcome.

Change in HR-QoL measured with Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnare. Scores range from 1 to 7. A higher score represents a better outcome.

Change in HR-QoL measured with Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnare, domain Mastery. Scores range from 1 to 7. A higher score represents a better outcome.

Change on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-anxiety subscale. Scores range from 0 to 21. A lower score represents a better outcome.

Reported spontaneously in a daily patient diary and specifically, both open and named side effects at planned visits.

Inclusion Criteria: Age ≥ 40 years. Read, understood and signed the Informed Consent form. COPD GOLD class III or IV, according to GOLD criteria (Post-bronchodilation FEV/FVC <70% and FEV1 < 50%pred. Complaints of refractory dyspnea as established by patient and doctor. mMRC score ≥ 3. Life expectancy of ≥ 2 months. Optimized standard therapy according to Dutch LAN guideline for diagnosis and treatment of COPD. Exclusion Criteria: Other severe disease with chronic pain or chronic dyspnea (a non substantial component of left sided heart failure is acceptable). Current use of opioids for whatever indication. Allergy / intolerance for opioids Psychiatric disease, not related to severe COPD. Exacerbation of COPD 8 weeks prior to inclusion or between screening and randomization. Problematic (leading to medical help or social problems) substance abuse during the last five years. Active malignancy, with the exception of planocellular or basal cell carcinoma of the skin. eGFR <15 ml/min

Blinderman CD, Homel P, Billings JA, Tennstedt S, Portenoy RK. Symptom distress and quality of life in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009 Jul;38(1):115-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2008.07.006. Epub 2009 Feb 20.

Wiseman R, Rowett D, Allcroft P, Abernethy A, Currow DC. Chronic refractory dyspnoea--evidence based management. Aust Fam Physician. 2013 Mar;42(3):137-40.

Abernethy AP, Currow DC, Frith P, Fazekas BS, McHugh A, Bui C. Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled crossover trial of sustained release morphine for the management of refractory dyspnoea. BMJ. 2003 Sep 6;327(7414):523-8. doi: 10.1136/bmj.327.7414.523.

Jennings AL, Davies AN, Higgins JP, Gibbs JS, Broadley KE. A systematic review of the use of opioids in the management of dyspnoea. Thorax. 2002 Nov;57(11):939-44. doi: 10.1136/thorax.57.11.939.

Janssen DJ, de Hosson SM, bij de Vaate E, Mooren KJ, Baas AA. Attitudes toward opioids for refractory dyspnea in COPD among Dutch chest physicians. Chron Respir Dis. 2015 May;12(2):85-92. doi: 10.1177/1479972315571926. Epub 2015 Feb 12.

Simon ST, Koskeroglu P, Gaertner J, Voltz R. Fentanyl for the relief of refractory breathlessness: a systematic review. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2013 Dec;46(6):874-86. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.02.019. Epub 2013 Jun 4.

Payne R, Mathias SD, Pasta DJ, Wanke LA, Williams R, Mahmoud R. Quality of life and cancer pain: satisfaction and side effects with transdermal fentanyl versus oral morphine. J Clin Oncol. 1998 Apr;16(4):1588-93. doi: 10.1200/JCO.1998.16.4.1588.

Allan L, Hays H, Jensen NH, de Waroux BL, Bolt M, Donald R, Kalso E. Randomised crossover trial of transdermal fentanyl and sustained release oral morphine for treating chronic non-cancer pain. BMJ. 2001 May 12;322(7295):1154-8. doi: 10.1136/bmj.322.7295.1154.

Johnson MJ, Bland JM, Oxberry SG, Abernethy AP, Currow DC. Clinically important differences in the intensity of chronic refractory breathlessness. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2013 Dec;46(6):957-63. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.01.011. Epub 2013 Apr 19.

Currow DC, McDonald C, Oaten S, Kenny B, Allcroft P, Frith P, Briffa M, Johnson MJ, Abernethy AP. Once-daily opioids for chronic dyspnea: a dose increment and pharmacovigilance study. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2011 Sep;42(3):388-99. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2010.11.021. Epub 2011 Mar 31.

Jensen D, Alsuhail A, Viola R, Dudgeon DJ, Webb KA, O'Donnell DE. Inhaled fentanyl citrate improves exercise endurance during high-intensity constant work rate cycle exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2012 Apr;43(4):706-19. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2011.05.007. Epub 2011 Dec 14.

Hui D, Kilgore K, Frisbee-Hume S, Park M, Liu D, Balachandran DD, Bruera E. Effect of Prophylactic Fentanyl Buccal Tablet on Episodic Exertional Dyspnea: A Pilot Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2017 Dec;54(6):798-805. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.08.001. Epub 2017 Aug 10.

van Dijk M, Mooren KJM, van den Berg JK, van Beurden-Moeskops WJC, Heller-Baan R, de Hosson SM, Lam-Wong WY, Peters L, Pool K, Kerstjens HAM. Opioids in patients with COPD and refractory dyspnea: literature review and design of a multicenter double blind study of low dosed morphine and fentanyl (MoreFoRCOPD). BMC Pulm Med. 2021 Sep 10;21(1):289. doi: 10.1186/s12890-021-01647-8.