Abstract
Eight cases of advanced cancer associated with severe pain were given hydrocortison 1000 mg per day or dexamethasone 25 to 40 mg per day for one or two weeks.
The pain was alleviated in all patients and no analgesics were needed, furthermore, the patients were benefited by mental exaltation, increased appetite and improvement in systemic conditions. Although no complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding or infections were encountered, there was a decrease in serum potassium, which had to be replaced parentenally.
