Table 1.

Proposed next research steps regarding opioids for breathlessness

Clinically meaningful outcomes as experienced by patients and the best methods to measure these, including ecological momentary assessment (EMA)48

Breathlessness measured in relation to the level of exertion that was needed to elicit the symptom

New or less studied opioid substances

Treatment with short-acting vs. extended-release opioids

Biomarkers (including genetic) to identify people who are likely to derive benefits of opioids on breathlessness

Treatment effects in people with serious disease and severe breathlessness at rest