Experience with an opioid peptide (tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycine amide) in oncology: a comparative randomized clinical study

BACKGROUND: The application of tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycine amide, a highly specific μ1-opioid receptor agonist, represents a promising approach for managing acute postoperative pain. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycine amide in oncology patients, depending on the type of anesthesia used for various surgical interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comparative randomized clinical study included 80 patients aged 29–86 years [median age (Me) 66 years, interquartile range (Q1; Q3) 59–71 years], of whom 46 (57.5%) were men and 34 (42.5%) were women, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–III. These patients underwent planned surgical treatment for oncological diseases. Patients received either multimodal combined general anesthesia with mechanical ventilation in the control group (Group K, n=40) or combined anesthesia (general+epidural/intercostal block for thoracic surgeries) in the comparison group (Group C, n=40). All patients were administered a standardized postoperative systemic analgesia protocol based on tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycine amide at a dose of 4 mg 3 times per day. The first dose was administered when pain intensity exceeded 3 points at rest and 4 points during movement on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Pain intensity was assessed at rest and during movement at predetermined time points: 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, and 240 minutes after the first dose. RESULTS: Baseline pain intensity at rest (NRS) was higher in Group K compared to Group C [Me=6, (Q1; Q3)=(5; 5) and (5; 6), respectively; p=0.038]. While initial pain intensity during movement was similar between groups (Me=7 points), the interquartile range was greater in Group K [(Q1; Q3) = (6; 8)] compared to Group C [(6; 7); p=0.045]. Lower pain scores were observed in Group C at 45 and 60 minutes at rest (p=0.005 and p=0.008, respectively) and at 30 minutes during movement (p=0.036). CONCLUSION: The combination of tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycine amide with regional perioperative blocks is an optimal method for managing acute pain in the early postoperative period for patients undergoing complex and traumatic oncological surgeries. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.