2025 Science of Caring Grand Rounds | At the Crossroads: Treating Pain in Cancer Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

Duarte, CA US
October 16, 2025

A lack of clinical understanding and application in treating patients with substance use disorder (SUD) exists, particularly in complex scenarios. Currently, there exists a gap in knowledge in how to treat patients who have substance use disorder (SUD), understanding latest protocol for patients on medications going through surgery, and understanding referral options for patients actively going through cancer treatment who have SUD. Ideally, clinicians should be well-versed in treating SUD, understand and apply latest protocols for managing specific drugs during surgery, and understand referral options for SUD patients who are actively going through cancer treatment.

There is a rise in patients that have substance use disorder (SUD), and yet, currently, there are no addiction specialists at City of Hope. It is imperative to help primary teams and social work navigate treatment for these complex cases. The ultimate goal is for clinicians to have a better understanding of treatment options for patients who have SUD, and therefore, be able to improve their clinical outcomes.

Target Audience

This activity is oriented to address the educational needs of multidisciplinary clinicians in oncology and all other health care providers interested in the subject matter. 

Learning Objectives

  • ​​​​​Discuss substance use disorder (SUD) criteria.
  • Outline treatment options for patients with SUD.
  • Examine postoperative pain treatment in patients with SUD.
  • Discuss possible barriers and biases which may impact patient care (i.e., race, ethnicity, language, gender identity/orientation, age, socioeconomic status, attitudes, feelings, or other characteristics).
Activity summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    City of Hope designates this 2025 Science of Caring Grand Rounds | At the Crossroads: Treating Pain in Cancer Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ requirements. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Activity opens: 
10/16/2025
Activity expires: 
10/17/2025
Event starts: 
10/16/2025 - 12:00pm PDT
Event ends: 
10/16/2025 - 1:00pm PDT
Add to calendar: 
City of Hope
1500 E Duarte Rd
Duarte, CA 91010
United States

Virtual Meeting- Zoom

Jaisha Mathew, MD   Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of Interventional Pain Medicine, Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope

Presenter: Dr. Mathew has indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Dr. Mathew will be discussing the off-label or investigational use of Buprenorphine and Naloxone, Clonidine, Baclofen, low dose Naltrexone, and Ketamine.

Planner: NAME, DEGREE(S) has indicated that there are no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies./ OR has indicated the following relevant financial relationships: LIST DISCLOSURES. 

IF NO RELEVANT DISCLOSURES: This presentation and/or comments will provide a balanced, non-promotional, and evidence-based approach to all diagnostic, therapeutic and/or research related content. 

IF RELEVANT DISCLOSURES: The educational content has been peer-reviewed, an attestation on file and no conflicts were noted.

CME Committee/Reviewer no relevant financial relationships:  Daneng Li, MD

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT: City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION: City of Hope designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

The following credit type(s) are being offered for this course:

•  AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™  1.0

The following may apply AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for license renewal:

Registered Nurses: Nurses may report up to 1.0 credit hours toward the continuing education requirements for license renewal by their state Board of Registered Nurses (BRN). AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may be noted on the license renewal application in lieu of a BRN provider number.

Physician Assistants: The National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants states that AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ accredited courses are acceptable for CME requirements for recertification.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    City of Hope is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
    City of Hope designates this 2025 Science of Caring Grand Rounds | At the Crossroads: Treating Pain in Cancer Patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD) for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ requirements. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • 1.00 Attendance
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