BACKGROUND.When a change of opioid is considered, equianalgesic dose tables

Controlled-release oxycodone is as safe and effective as controlled-release morphine in the treatment of cancer pain.

The fact that methadone ratio is different according to the opioid dose used previously should be taken into careful consideration by the clinician in order to avoid severe toxicity or death during switchover. Prospective studies should be carried out in order to better define our findings.

In all groups, a marked polarization of attitudes was observed, with most individuals either strongly agreeing or strongly disagreeing with the statements in the survey. Although a slight majority of the public supported euthanasia, one third opposed it. Most physicians opposed these interventions and appeared not to be willing to perform these procedures if legalized. Our findings suggest that legalization at this time could be highly divisive and controversial from a societal perspective.