Seven studies were included in the review (613 patients). Two of the trials had a quality score of two (Grade C), four had a quality score of three (Grade B), and one had a quality score of four (Grade A).
Patients treated with oxycodone had significantly lower pain intensity scores (weighted mean difference -1.30, 95% CI -1.55 to -1.05; four studies; Ι²=99%) and improved pain relief rate on the obvious effective rate (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.40 to 2.95; seven studies; Ι²=0%) and overall effective rate (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.44; seven studies; Ι²=0%) compared to other strong opioids.
Compared with other strong opioids, there was significantly less nausea (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.85) and constipation (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.87) with the use of oxycodone. There were no differences between oxycodone and other strong opioids for dizziness, vomiting, sleepiness, pruritus, anorexia and dysuria.
No evidence of publication bias was found.