Dhanalakshmi Koyyalagunta, M.D.
Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, and Pain Medicine
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1987 | Grant Medical College, Bombay, IN, DA in Anesthesiology |
| 1984 | Grant Medical College, Bombay, IN, MBBS in Medicine/Surgery |
Postgraduate Training
| 1999-1999 | Clinical Fellowship, Pain Management, Beth Israel Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts |
| 1995-1998 | Clinical Residency, Anesthesiology, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, Massachusetts |
| 1994-1995 | Clinical Residency, Transitional, Metro West Medical Center, Framingham, Massachusetts |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2020 | American Board of Preventive Medicine |
| 2001 | American Board of Anesthesiology, Diplomate, Pain Management |
| 2000 | Texas State Medical Board License |
| 2000 | American Board of Anesthesiology, Diplomate |
| 1980 | Maharashtra State Board (Maharashtra, India) |
Experience & Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Director, Transitional Pain Service, Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2026 - Present
Medical Director, Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2016 - Present
Clinical Medical Director, Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, 2009 - 2012
Intramural Institutional Committee Activities
Medical Director, Department of Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2018 - 2024
Clinical Medical Director, Department of Pain Medicine, Division of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - 2012
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Chair, Professional Education Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2021 - 2023
Member, Regional Practice Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - Present
Member, Patient Access RCC Pilot Work Group, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2016 - 2022
Chair, Clinical Competency Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - Present
Member, CME Advisory Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2015 - 2021
Member, Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2011 - 2014
Member, Faculty Senate, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2010 - 2023
Review Member, Credentials Committee of Medical Staff (CCMS), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2009 - 2019
Member, Clinical Research Committee (CRC), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2006 - 2009
Editorial Activities
Editorial Board, Pain Physician, 2006 - Present
Honors & Awards
| 2021 | President’s Recognition of Excellence in Prevention Outreach, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| 1998 | Distinguished Resident, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester, MA |
Professional Memberships
Selected Presentations & Talks
Local Presentations
- 2025. Perioperative care of the high-risk patients in the oncologic setting. Invited. MD Anderson Cancer center first Virtual Pain Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Cancer Pain. Invited. AAPC - Galveston Chapter. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Interventions in Cancer Pain. Conference. 26th Supportive & Palliative Care Clinical and Research Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Common Procedures/Interventions for chronic pain(APP track)- (indications, contraindications, considerations) ‘Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Treatment. Conference. 3rd Annual Meeting: Interventional Cancer Pain Symposium. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Lecture on Chronic Pain. Invited. Psychiatry Residents. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2023. Interventions in Cancer Pain. Invited. Updates in Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Intensive Physician Board Review Course. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2020. Multimodal Analgesia and Interventional Pain Therapy. Conference. Multimodal Analgesia and Interventional Pain Therapy. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Best Practices in Safe Opioid Prescribing: An Evidence Based Approach. Conference. Best Practices in Safe Opioid Prescribing: An Evidence Based Approach. Houston, TX, US.
- 2019. Cannabis use in the cancer pain patients. Conference. Cannabis use in the cancer pain patients. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Chemical Coping and Addiction & Strategies to Manage Such Patients. Conference. Chemical Coping and Addiction & Strategies to Manage Such Patients. Houston, TX, US.
Regional Presentations
- 2020. Effective Perioperative Pain Management in High Risk Patients. Conference. Effective Perioperative Pain Management in High Risk Patients, US.
- 2016. Cancer Pain Pharmacotherapy and Opioid Misuse in Cancer Pain. Conference. Cancer Pain Pharmacotherapy and Opioid Misuse in Cancer Pain. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2011. AAPM 27th Annual Meeting Panel Discussion. Conference. AAPM 27th Annual Meeting Panel Discussion. National Harbor, MD, US.
- 2004. Ante Partum Hemorrhage. Conference. Ante Partum Hemorrhage. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2004. Pain Management Case Conference. Conference. Pain Management Case Conference. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2004. Pain Management sub-specialty lectures (2004-2005). Conference. Pain Management sub-specialty lectures (2004-2005). Galveston, TX, US.
- 2004. Pain Management Educational Program Block (2004-2005). Conference. Pain Management Educational Program Block (2004-2005). Galveston, TX, US.
- 2004. Interscalene Block. Conference. Interscalene Block. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2003. Obstetric Anesthesia Case Conference. Conference. Obstetric Anesthesia Case Conference. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2003. Spinal, Caudal and Epidural Blocks. Conference. Spinal, Caudal and Epidural Blocks. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2002. Mock Orals Junior Examiner (2002-2005). Conference. Mock Orals Junior Examiner (2002-2005). Galveston, TX, US.
- 2002. Diabetic Neuropathy. Conference. Diabetic Neuropathy. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2002. Anatomy and Physiology of Pain. Conference. Anatomy and Physiology of Pain. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2002. Ante Partum Hemorrhage. Conference. Ante Partum Hemorrhage. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2002. Axillary and Midhumeral Blocks. Conference. Axillary and Midhumeral Blocks. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2001. Peripheral Neuropathies after Anesthesia. Conference. Peripheral Neuropathies after Anesthesia. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2000. Nociception. Conference. Nociception. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2000. Spinal and Epidural Block. Conference. Spinal and Epidural Block. Galveston, TX, US.
- Pain, Headache, Opioids, Radiofrequency Ablation and Cryoneurolysis. Conference. Pain, Headache, Opioids, Radiofrequency Ablation and Cryoneurolysis. Galveston, TX, US.
National Presentations
- 2026. Balancing Compassion and Caution: Urine Drug Testing and Opioid Misuse in Cancer Pain Treatment. ASIPP annual meeting. New Orleans, Louisiana, US.
- 2025. 24.Cancer Patient Perspectives on the Opioid Treatment Agreement: Tool for Safety or Symbol of Distrust?. Poster. ASRA annual fall meeting. Austin, Texas, US.
- 2025. 23.Characterization of Pre- and Post-Operative Referrals to a Cancer Surgery Transitional Pain Program. Poster. ASER annual meeting. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Epidural hematoma after a Thoracic Epidural steroid injection. Poster. Texas Pain Society Annual meeting. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2025. Prevalence of Urine Drug Testing in Cancer Pain Treatment. Poster. Houston, Texas, US.
- 2024. Safe Opioid Management, Recognizing Problematic Opioid Use and What to Do About It. Conference. TexMed. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2024. Opioid reductions after Enhanced Surgical Recovery Care in the Post-Operative Head and Neck Cancer Population. Poster. Annual American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP), US.
- 2024. Peri-Operative Management of Pain in Patients with Complex Pain Syndromes and Risk for Nonmedical Opioid Use (Virtual). Conference. 6th Annual Opioid Crisis Seminar. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2023. Nuances of Visceral Neurolytic Blocks Lecture. Conference. NYSIPP, New Jersey, US.
- 2023. Monitoring and Compliance with Opioid Therapy Lecture. Conference. TPS. Bastrop, TX, US.
- 2023. Common Procedures/Interventions-(indications, contraindications, considerations). Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy and Treatment. Conference. WAPMU 3rd Annual Meeting. New York, New York, US.
- 2021. Pain and Palliative Care of Terminally Ill Patient. Conference. Pain and Palliative Care of Terminally Ill Patient. Virtual, US.
- 2021. 9th Education in Cancer & Acute Pain. Conference. 9th Education in Cancer & Acute Pain. Virtual, US.
- 2021. Developing a Virtual Oncologic Pain Treatment Team for the 21st Century Ethical and Practical Concerns for Pain Care During a Pandemic or Other Public Health. Telemedicine for Triage of patients that present to the ED for oncologic pain. Conference. Developing a Virtual Oncologic Pain Treatment Team for the 21st Century Ethical and Practical Concerns for Pain Care During a Pandemic or Other Public Health. Telemedicine for Triage of patients that present to the ED for oncologic pain, US.
- 2020. Investigation Of Postoperative Opioid Use And Symptom Burden In Patients With Head And Neck Cancer. Conference. Investigation Of Postoperative Opioid Use And Symptom Burden In Patients With Head And Neck Cancer. Houston, TX, US.
- 2020. Effective Perioperative Pain Management in High Risk Patients. Conference. Effective Perioperative Pain Management in High Risk Patients. Texas Grand Rounds-Virtual, US.
- 2019. Opioid irregularities and the Cancer Patient. Conference. Opioid irregularities and the Cancer Patient. New York, NY, US.
- 2019. Cancer & Chronic Pain, Chronic Opiate Therapy and Buprenorphine in the Perioperative Patient. Conference. Cancer & Chronic Pain, Chronic Opiate Therapy and Buprenorphine in the Perioperative Patient. Bastrop, TX, US.
- 2019. Nuances in Celiac Plexus Blockade. Conference. Nuances in Celiac Plexus Blockade. New York, NY, US.
- 2019. Effective Pain Management in High Risk Patients: Role of Transitional Pain Service. Conference. Effective Pain Management in High Risk Patients: Role of Transitional Pain Service. Bastrop, TX, US.
- 2017. Risk of opioid misuse in oncology population. Conference. Risk of opioid misuse in oncology population. New York, NY, US.
- 2017. Opioid Management in Cancer Survivors - Emerging and Evolving Challenges. Conference. Opioid Management in Cancer Survivors - Emerging and Evolving Challenges. Boston, MA, US.
- 2017. Rational use of opioids for cancer patients Global Academic Program (GAP). Conference. Rational use of opioids for cancer patients Global Academic Program (GAP). Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Intrathecal Drug Delivery System and Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Related Infections at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Conference. Intrathecal Drug Delivery System and Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant Related Infections at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Houston, TX, US.
- 2010. Improving knowledge, skills and attitudes of pain medicine fellows about multidisciplinary teamwork: application of an educational model. Conference. Improving knowledge, skills and attitudes of pain medicine fellows about multidisciplinary teamwork: application of an educational model. Montreal, SC, US.
- 2009. Pharmacotherapy in Cancer Pain. Conference. Pharmacotherapy in Cancer Pain. Hyderabad, India, US.
- 2004. Complications of regional anesthesia. Conference. Complications of regional anesthesia. Vail, CO, US.
- 2004. Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Conference. Regioanl Anesthesia Workshop. Vail, CO, US.
International Presentations
- 2024. Transitional Pain Service Lecture. Conference. ISSPCON. Pune, IN.
- 2024. Cadaveric workshop teaching on visceral sympathetic blocks. Conference. ISSPCON. Pune, IN.
- 2022. Lecture on Neuromodulation. Conference. JACC 2022. Mysore, IN.
- 2019. Current guidelines for opioid use in chronic and cancer pain. Conference. Current guidelines for opioid use in chronic and cancer pain. Kochi, IN.
- 2019. Neurosurgical Treatment of Cancer Pain. Conference. Neurosurgical Treatment of Cancer Pain. Bengalauru, IN.
- 2019. Cadaveric demonstration of spinal cord simulator implant. Conference. Cadaveric demonstration of spinal cord simulator implant. Bengaluru, IN.
- 2019. Peri-operative opioid use and concerns. Conference. Peri-operative opioid use and concerns. Mysore, IN.
- 2019. Cadaver Workshop Demonstration of SCS Placement. Conference. Cadaver Workshop Demonstration of SCS Placement. Bengalauru, IN.
- 2019. Perioperative opioid use and concerns. Conference. Perioperative opioid use and concerns. Mysore, IN.
- 2019. Cancer Pain. Conference. Cancer Pain. Jayanagar, IN.
- 2018. Implantable devices in the cancer patients and Opioids in cancer patients. Conference. Implantable devices in the cancer patients and Opioids in cancer patients. Cancun, MX.
- 2018. Pain Management in gynecological malignancies. Conference. Pain Management in gynecological malignancies. Jammu, IN.
- 2018. Rapidly Changing Paradigms in Oncologic Pain Medicine in an Era of Prescribing Scrutiny. Conference. Rapidly Changing Paradigms in Oncologic Pain Medicine in an Era of Prescribing Scrutiny. Vancouver, CA.
- 2018. Opioids in Non-malignant Pain. Conference. Opioids in Non-malignant Pain. New Delhi, IN.
- 2017. Vertebroplasty, Physiology of Pain mediators, Methadone, CRPS, and Opioid safety. Conference. Vertebroplasty, Physiology of Pain mediators, Methadone, CRPS, and Opioid safety. Pune, IN.
- 2017. Role of Opioids in chronic pain, and Risk factors for opioid misuse in cancer pain. Conference. Role of Opioids in chronic pain, and Risk factors for opioid misuse in cancer pain. Mexico City, MX.
- 2017. Integration of Pain and Palliative Care, and Recent advances in the use of opioids “the good and the bad”. Conference. Integration of Pain and Palliative Care, and Recent advances in the use of opioids “the good and the bad”. Jaipur, Rajasthan, IN.
- 2016. Neuropathic pain in Cancer, Neurolysis in Cancer Pain , Pain Cancer Survivors. Conference. Neuropathic pain in Cancer, Neurolysis in Cancer Pain , Pain Cancer Survivors. Kolkatta, IN.
- 2016. Advancer in Intrathecal drug delivery system. Conference. Advancer in Intrathecal drug delivery system. Indore, IN.
- 2015. When is the right time for IDDS in cancer pain?. Conference. When is the right time for IDDS in cancer pain?. Mumbai, IN.
- 2015. Pharmacotherapy for Cancer Pain. Conference. Pharmacotherapy for Cancer Pain. Chennai, IN.
- 2014. Cadavar demonstration of vertebroplasty, lecture on Interventions in cancer pain. Conference. Cadavar demonstration of vertebroplasty, lecture on Interventions in cancer pain. Mumbai, IN.
- 2013. Interventions for Thoraco-abdominal cancer pain, Panel discussion on Urogenital pain, Video demonstration for splanchnic neurolysis. Conference. Interventions for Thoraco-abdominal cancer pain, Panel discussion on Urogenital pain, Video demonstration for splanchnic neurolysis. Nagpur, IN.
- 2012. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty. Conference. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty. Bangalore, IN.
- 2011. Evidence-based use of interventional techniques in Cancer Pain. Conference. Evidence-based use of interventional techniques in Cancer Pain. Chandigarh, IN.
- 2009. Interventions in Cancer Pain. Conference. Interventions in Cancer Pain. Mumbai, IN.
- 2007. Hands-on Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Conference. Hands-on Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Kathmandu, NP.
- 2006. Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Conference. Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Mumbai, IN.
Formal Peers
- 2022. Chronic Pain Lecture. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2021. Chronic Pain Lecture. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Interventional therapies in Cancer Pain. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2013. Cancer Pain. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2012. Cancer Pain. Invited. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2007. CRPS Lecture. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2007. Lower Extremity Blocks. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2006. Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2006. Anatomy and Physiology of Pain. Invited. Houston, TX, US.
- 2006. Lower Extremity Blocks. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2005. Lower Extremity Peripheral Nerve Block: Update and Cadaver Workshop. Invited. Galveston, TX, US.
- 2005. Lower Extremity Blocks. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2005. Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2004. Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2003. Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Invited. Dallas, TX, US.
- 2002. Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Invited. San Antonio, TX, US.
- 2001. Regional Anesthesia Workshop. Invited. Galveston, TX, US.
Grant & Contract Support
| Date: | 2025 - Present |
| Title: | Retrospective Review to Analyze Urine Drug Testing at a Cancer Pain Clinic |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 2025-0664 |
| Date: | 2020 - Present |
| Title: | Randomized study stratified by opioid use to examine the safety, acceptability, efficacy, and feasibility of controlled taper-off form opioids, with the use of behavioral telehealth-based therapy services |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | 2020-0769 |
| Date: | 2015 |
| Title: | Retrospective Chart Review to evaluate the efficacy and complications of Superior Hypogastric neurolysis for cancer related abdominal pain at MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | PA15-0045 |
| Date: | 2013 |
| Title: | A Retrospective Chart Review Evaluating the Role of Chronic Exogenous Opioid Therapy on Lung Cancer Recurrence Free Survival at MD Anderson Cancer Center, |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2012 - Present |
| Title: | The Influence of Intrathecal Delivery of Pain Medication on Cognitive Function |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2012 - Present |
| Title: | Psychosocial Predictors of Implantable Pain Management Device Outcome on Cancer Patients |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2012 |
| Title: | A Retrospective Chart Review Analyzing the Utilization and Efficacy of Spinal Cord Stimulation and Peripheral field Stimulation for Pain at MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Co-PI |
| Date: | 2011 |
| Title: | Comparing the efficacy of Neurolysis of the celiac plexus using Alcohol vs. Phenol |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2011 |
| Title: | Retrospective chart review to look at the validity of SOAPP-SF (Screener and Opioid assessment tool for patients with pain-short form) utilizing Urine drug screens among Cancer patients |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2010 - Present |
| Title: | Retrospective chart review to evaluate the infectious complications associated with intrathecal drug delivery and spinal cord stimulator system implants at MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2009 - Present |
| Title: | Retrospective chart review to look at the validity of SOAPP (Screener and Opioid Assessment Tool for Patients with Pain) among cancer patients |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2008 - 2010 |
| Title: | Retrospective Evaluation of percutaneous cement procedures, DR08-0386 |
| Funding Source: | Medtronic |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2008 - 2009 |
| Title: | Fentanyl SL Spray Safety Protocol |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2007 - 2009 |
| Title: | A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multi-Center Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Fentany Sublingual Spray (FentanySL Spray) for the Treatment of Breakthrough Cancer Pain (INS-005-001) |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| Date: | 2007 |
| Title: | Evaluation of Team Attitudes Among Pain Medicine Fellows |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2006 |
| Title: | The CAFE Study - Cancer Patient Fracture Evaluation - A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Study to Compare Balloon Kyphoplasy to Non-surgical Fracture Management in the Treatment of Painful, Vertebral Body Compression Fractures in Cancer Patients |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2006 |
| Title: | A Multicenter, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Two-Phase Crossover Study of Nasalfent (Fentanyl Citrate Nasal Spray) in the Treatment of Breakthrough Cancer Pain (BTCP) in Subjects Taking Regular Opioid Therapy |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2006 |
| Title: | An Open-Label Study Investigating Long-term Safety and Tolerability of Nasalfent (Fentanyl Citrate Nasal Spray) in the Treatment of Breakthrough Cancer Pain (BTCP) in Subjects Taking Regular Opioid Therapy |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2006 |
| Title: | Acupuncture for Treatment of Uncontrolled Pain: A Feasibility Study |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Date: | 2006 |
| Title: | Comparing pulsed radiofrequency with conventional radiofrequency ablation of dorsal root ganglion in the treatment of chronic chest wall pain |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | PI |
| ID: | RCR06-1036 |
| Date: | 2004 - 2005 |
| Title: | An open-label, long-term, multi-center, intrathecal Ziconotide (Prialt) effectiveness and safety trial (ZEST) in patients with chronic severe pain |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | CO-I |
| Date: | 2004 - 2005 |
| Title: | Intrathecal Ziconotide (Prialt)Effectiveness and Safety Trial (Zest) in patients with chronic severe pain |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | CO-I |
| Date: | 2001 - 2003 |
| Title: | A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, dose-ranging study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single epidural dose of sustained-release encapsulated morphine (sky0401) in the management of post-operative pain in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | CO-I |
| Date: | 2000 - 2001 |
| Title: | The safety and efficacy of electro transport (e-trans) fentanyl compared to iv pca morphine for the treatment of post-operative pain |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | CO-I |
| ID: | Unknown |
| Date: | 2000 - 2001 |
| Title: | An open evaluation of the safety and clinical utility of e-trans fentanyl for the management of post-operative pain following short-stay surgical procedures |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | CO-I |
| Date: | 2000 - 2001 |
| Title: | An open-label, long-term safety and tolerability study of Ziconotide administered intrathecally to patients with chronic, severe pain |
| Funding Source: | Unknown |
| Role: | CO-I |
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Nwankwo A, Koyyalagunta D, Huh B, D'Souza RS, Javed S. A comprehensive review of the typical and atypical side effects of gabapentin. Pain Pract 24(8):1051-1058, 2024. e-Pub 2024. PMID: 38949515.
- Roldan, C, Rosenthal, D, Koyyalagunta, D, Feng, L, Warner, K. Methylene Blue for the Treatment of Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis during Head and Neck Cancer Treatment. Cancers 15(15), 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 37568810.
- Tanco K, Lopez G, Koyyalagunta L, Fellman B, Halm J, Ignatius J, Bruera E. Comparison of Health Care Providers Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Medical Marijuana and Cannabidiol in the Management of Pain and Other Symptoms in Cancer Patients. J Palliat Med 26(4):539-543, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36576904.
- Roldan CJ, Huh B, Song J, Nieto Y, Osei J, Chai T, Nouri K, Koyyalagunta L, Bruera E. Methylene blue for intractable pain from oral mucositis related to cancer treatment: a randomized phase 2 clinical trial. BMC Med 20(1):377, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36324139.
- Manchikanti L, Simopoulos TT, Pampati V, Manchikanti MV, Kosanovic R, Abdi S, Sanapati MR, Koyyalagunta D, Knezevic NN, Beall DP, Soin A, Kaye AD, Abd-Elsayed A, Hirsch JA. Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic and Updated Utilization Patterns of Sacroiliac Joint Injections from 2000 to 2020 in The Fee-For-Service (FFS) Medicare Population. Pain Physician 25(3):239-250, 2022. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35652764.
- Plancarte R, Koyyalagunta D, Diwan S, Mota K, Hernandez Porras BC. Humeroplasty for Pain Control in Multiple Myeloma. Indian Journal of Pain 35(2), 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Hernandez-Porras BC, Plancarte R, Koyyalagunta D. Bone Cancer Pain. Indian Journal of Pain, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Cata JP, Owusu-Agyemang P, Koyyalagunta D, Corrales G, Feng L, Fournier K. Impact of Ketamine on Opioid Use and Persistent Pain After Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Chemotherapy. J Pain Res 14:2433-2439, 2021. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34413677.
- Viswanathan A, Vedantam A, Williams LA, Koyyalagunta D, Abdi S, Dougherty PM, Mendoza T, Bassett RL, Hou P, Bruera E. Percutaneous Cordotomy for Pain Palliation in Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial Study Protocol. Neurosurgery 87(2):394-402, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32012217.
- Hou S, Novy D, Felice F, Koyyalagunta D. Efficacy of Superior Hypogastric Plexus Neurolysis for the Treatment of Cancer-Related Pelvic Pain. Pain Med 21(6):1255-1262, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 31343689.
- Novy DM, Nelson DV, Koyyalagunta D, Cata JP, Gupta P, Gupta K. Reply to Boland and Bennett. Pain 161(4):875-876, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 32195786.
- Novy DM, Nelson DV, Koyyalagunta D, Cata JP, Gupta P, Gupta K. Pain, opioid therapy, and survival: a needed discussion. Pain 161(3):496-501, 2020. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 31693537.
- Viswanathan A, Vedantam A, Hess KR, Ochoa J, Dougherty PM, Reddy AS, Koyyalagunta D, Reddy S, Bruera E. Minimally Invasive Cordotomy for Refractory Cancer Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Oncologist 24(7):e590-e596, 2019. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 30796153.
- Vedantam A, Koyyalagunta D, Bruel BM, Dougherty PM, Viswanathan A. Limited Midline Myelotomy for Intractable Visceral Pain: Surgical Techniques and Outcomes. Neurosurgery 83(4):783-789, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29165656.
- Koyyalagunta D, Bruera E, Engle MP, Driver L, Dong W, Demaree C, Novy DM. Compliance with Opioid Therapy: Distinguishing Clinical Characteristics and Demographics among Patients with Cancer Pain. Pain Med 19(7):1469-1477, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29016951.
- Manchikanti L, Kaye AM, Knezevic NN, McAnally H, Slavin K, Trescot AM, Blank S, Pampati V, Abdi S, Grider JS, Kaye AD, Manchikanti KN, Cordner H, Gharibo CG, Harned ME, Albers SL, Atluri S, Aydin SM, Bakshi S, Barkin RL, Benyamin RM, Boswell MV, Buenaventura RM, Calodney AK, Cedeno DL, Datta S, Deer TR, Fellows B, Galan V, Grami V, Hansen H, Helm Ii S, Justiz R, Koyyalagunta D, Malla Y, Navani A, Nouri KH, Pasupuleti R, Sehgal N, Silverman SM, Simopoulos TT, Singh V, Solanki DR, Staats PS, Vallejo R, Wargo BW, Watanabe A, Hirsch JA. Responsible, Safe, and Effective Prescription of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) Guidelines. Pain Physician 20(2S):S3-S92, 2017. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 28226332.
- Paice JA, Portenoy R, Lacchetti C, Campbell T, Cheville A, Citron M, Constine LS, Cooper A, Glare P, Keefe F, Koyyalagunta L, Levy M, Miaskowski C, Otis-Green S, Sloan P, Bruera E. Management of Chronic Pain in Survivors of Adult Cancers: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Oncol 34(27):3325-45, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27458286.
- Novy DM, Engle MP, Lai EA, Cook C, Martin EC, Trahan L, Yu J, Koyyalagunta D. Effectiveness of Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis for Targeting Location of Cancer Pain: Using the Pain Drawing as an Outcome Variable. Pain Physician 19(6):397-403, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27454270.
- Koyyalagunta D, Engle MP, Yu J, Feng L, Novy DM. The Effectiveness of Alcohol Versus Phenol Based Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis for the Treatment of Intra-Abdominal Cancer Pain. Pain Physician 19(4):281-92, 2016. e-Pub 2016. PMID: 27228515.
- Aigner CJ, Hernandez M, Koyyalagunta L, Novy D. The association of presurgery psychological symptoms with postsurgery pain among cancer patients receiving implantable devices for pain management. Support Care Cancer 22(9):2323-8, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 25082618.
- Hustak EC, Engle MP, Viswanathan A, Koyyalagunta D. Lumbar subarachnoid hematoma following an epidural blood patch for meningeal puncture headache related to the implantation of an intrathecal drug delivery system. Pain Physician 17(3):E405-11, 2014. e-Pub 2014. PMID: 24850122.
- Engle MP, Vinh BP, Harun N, Koyyalagunta D. Infectious complications related to intrathecal drug delivery system and spinal cord stimulator system implantations at a comprehensive cancer pain center. Pain Physician 16(3):251-7, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23703411.
- Koyyalagunta D, Bruera E, Aigner C, Nusrat H, Driver L, Novy D. Risk Stratification of Opioid Misuse among Patients with Cancer Pain Using the SOAPP-SF. Pain Med 14(10.1111/pme.12100):667-75, 2013. e-Pub 2013. PMID: 23631401.
- Novy DM, Lam C, Gritz ER, Hernandez M, Driver LC, Koyyalagunta D. Distinguishing Features of Cancer Patients Who Smoke: Pain, Symptom Burden, and Risk for Opioid Misuse. J Pain 13(11):1058-67, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 23010143.
- Manchikanti, L, Abdi, S, Atluri, SL, Balog, CC, Benyamin, RM, Boswell, MV, Brown, KR, Bruel, BM, Bryce, DA, Burks, PA, Burton, AW, Calodney, AK, Caraway, D, Cash, KA, Christo, PJ, Damron, KS, Datta, S, Deer, TR, Diwan, S, Eriator, I, Falco, FJ, Fellows, B, Erhart, S, Gharibo, CG, Glaser, SE, Grider, JS, Hameed, H, Hameed, M, Hansen, HC, Harned, M, Hayek, SM, Helm, S, Hirsch, JA, Janata, JW, Kaye, AD, Kaye, AM, Kloth, DS, Koyyalagunta, D, Lee, M, Malla, Y, Manchikanti, KN, McManus, CD, Pampati, V, Parr, AT, Pasupuleti, R, Patel, VB, Sehgal, N, Silverman, S, Singh, V, Smith, HS, Snook, LT, Solanki, DR, Tracy, DH, Vallejo, R, Wargo, BW, American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, SP. American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) guidelines for responsible opioid prescribing in chronic non-cancer pain. Pain physician 15(3 Suppl):S1-65, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22786448.
- Manchikanti L, Abdi S, Atluri S, Balog CC, Benyamin RM, Boswell MV, Brown KR, Bruel BM, Bryce DA, Burks PA, Burton AW, Calodney AK, Caraway DL, Cash KA, Christo PJ, Damron KS, Datta S, Deer TR, Diwan S, Eriator I, Falco FJ, Fellows B, Geffert S, Gharibo CG, Glaser SE, Grider JS, Hameed H, Hameed M, Hansen H, Harned ME, Hayek SM, Helm S, Hirsch JA, Janata JW, Kaye AD, Kaye AM, Kloth DS, Koyyalagunta D, Lee M, Malla Y, Manchikanti KN, McManus CD, Pampati V, Parr AT, Pasupuleti R, Patel VB, Sehgal N, Silverman SM, Singh V, Smith HS, Snook LT, Solanki DR, Tracy DH, Vallejo R, Wargo BW, Pain Physicians ASOI. American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians (ASIPP) guidelines for responsible opioid prescribing in chronic non-cancer pain: Part 2--guidance. Pain Physician 15(3Suppl)(S67-116):S67-116, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22786449.
- Mendoza TR, Koyyalagunta D, Burton AW, Thomas SK, Phan MH, Giralt SA, Shah JJ, Cleeland CS. Changes in Pain and Other Symptoms in Patients With Painful Multiple Myeloma-Related Vertebral Fracture Treated With Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty. J Pain 13(6):564-70, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22543044.
- Koyyalagunta D, Doulatram G. Diagnosis and Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I and II. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Web site: Orthopaedic Knowledge Online, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Burton AW, Mendoza T, Gebhardt R, Hamid B, Nouri K, Perez-Toro M, Ting J, Koyyalagunta D. Vertebral compression fracture treatment with vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty: experience in 407 patients with 1,156 fractures in a tertiary cancer center. Pain Med 12(12):1750-7, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 22123171.
- Koyyalagunta D, Burton AW, Toro MP, Driver L, Novy DM. Opioid abuse in cancer pain: report of two cases and presentation of an algorithm of multidisciplinary care. Pain Physician 14(July-August 2011):E361-71, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21785486.
- Solanki DR, Koyyalagunta D, Shah RV, Silverman SM, Manchikanti L. Monitoring opioid adherence in chronic pain patients: assessment of risk of substance misuse. Pain Physician 14(March - April 2011):119-31, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21412377.
- Novy D, Hamid B, Driver L, Koyyalagunta L, Ting J, Perez M, Schneider VF, Phan P, Hernandez M, Burton AW. Preliminary evaluation of an educational model for promoting positive team attitudes and functioning among pain medicine fellows. Pain Med 11(6):841-846, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20456076.
- Koyyalagunta, D, Mazloomdoost, D. Radiofrequency and cryoablation for cancer pain. Techniques in Regional Anesthesia and Pain Management 14(1):3-9, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
- Perez-Toro MR, Burton AW, Hamid B, Koyyalagunta D. Two-tuohy needle and catheter technique for fluoroscopically guided percutaneous drainage of spinal epidural abscess: a case report. Pain Med 10(3):501-5, 2009. e-Pub 2009. PMID: 19207239.
- Novy, Engle D, yu M, Feng J, Lai L, Koyyalagunta E, D. Construct Validation of the Pain Drawing in Patients with Cancer Pain. Journal of Applied Biobehavioral Research.
Invited Articles
- Novy D, Hamid B, Driver L, Koyyalagunta L, al E. An Educational Model to Enhance Team Attitudes and Functioning Among Pain Medicine Fellows. American Pain Society Bulletin 18(1):1-4, 2008. e-Pub 2008.
Review Articles
- Koyyalagunta, D, Mach, S, Chung, M. Comparison of Different Spinal Level Approaches in Splanchnic Sympathetic Neurolysis for Intractable Upper Abdominal Cancer Pain. Pain physician 28(4):E403-E410, 2025. e-Pub 2025. PMID: 40773645.
- Thota, R, Ramkiran, S, Singh, S, Damani, A, Wajekar, AS, Koyyalagunta, D. A systematic review and quality analysis of cancer pain guidelines. Indian Journal of Anaesthesia 67(12):1051-1060, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 38343679.
- Koyyalagunta D, Bruera E, Solanki DR, Nouri KH, Burton AW, Toro MP, Bruel BM, Manchikanti L. A systematic review of randomized trials on the effectiveness of opioids for cancer pain. Pain Physician 15(3Suppl)(ES 39-58):ES39-58, 2012. e-Pub 2012. PMID: 22786461.
- Colson J, Koyyalagunta D, Falco FJ, Manchikanti L. A Systematic Review of Observational Studies on the Effectiveness of Opioid Therapy for Cancer Pain. Pain Physician 14(2):E85, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21412384.
- Manchikanti L, Ailinani H, Koyyalagunta D, Datta S, Singh V, Eriator I, Sehgal N, Shah R, Benyamin R, Vallejo R, Fellows B, Christo PJ. A systematic review of randomized trials of long-term opioid management for chronic non-cancer pain. Pain Physician 14(March - April 2011):91-121, 2011. e-Pub 2011. PMID: 21412367.
- Koyyalagunta D, Burton AW. The Role of Chemical Neurolysis in Cancer Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 14(4):261-267, 2010. e-Pub 2010. PMID: 20524161.
Editorials
- Ege, E, Koyyalagunta, D, Javed, S. Not a match: Why women are not choosing pain medicine Pain Pract. Pain Practice 24(8):978-982, 2024. PMID: 38828916.
Abstracts
- Koyyalagunta D, Javed S, Ye A. Characterization of Pre- and Post-Operative Referrals to a Cancer Surgery Transitional Pain Program, 2025.
- Lam L, Koyyalagunta D. Epidural hematoma after a Thoracic Epidural steroid injection, 2025.
- Bhupathiraju N, Javed S, Koyyalagunta D. Prevalence of Urine Drug Testing in Cancer Pain Treatment, 2025.
- Ye A, Feng L, Lewis C, Popat K, Popovich S, Hagberg C, Koyyalagunta D. Opioid reductions after Enhanced Surgical Recovery Care in the Post-Operative Head and Neck Cancer Population, 2024.
- Zaafran A, Hussain M, Norgeot B, Hagberg C, Koyyalagunta D. Cancer patients benefit from tapering digital platform. CALSIPP, 2022.
- Bridges C, Hernandez E, Ehlers R, Koyyalagunta L, Checka C. Same-Day Discharge for Mastectomy Patients With and Without Immediate Reconstruction During the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Roldan C, Rosenthal D, Warner K, Feng L, Koyyalagunta D. Methylene blue for the treatment of oral mucositis related to radiation therapy of head and neck cancers: An uncontrolled cohort. ASCO Quality Care Symposium, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Arthur J, Gammon L, Rizvi AM, Kndaswamy R, McCullough-Roach R, Hickman K, Ayyagari, S, Ongel E, Phan M, Qian Y, Feng L, Bruera E, Koyyalagunta D. The frequency and characteristics of abnormal urine drug testing among patients receiving opioid therapy at an outpatient cancer pain clinic. IASP Annual Meeting, 2022. e-Pub 2022.
- Chung M, Koyyalagunta D. Comparison of Different Spinal Level Approaches in Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis for Intractable Upper Abdominal Cancer Pain. ASIPP Annual Meeting, 2021. e-Pub 2021.
- Koyyalagunta D, Novy DM, Lewis C, Popovich S, Popat K, Feng L, French K, Zheng G, Syed T, Hagberg C. Investigation Of Postoperative Opioid Use And Symptom Burden In Patients With Head And Neck Cancer. American Society of Anesthesiologists, 2020. e-Pub 2020.
- Hou S, Novy DM, Engle M, Koyyalagunta D. Spinal Cord Stimulator for Cancer Related Pain. Annual ASIPP meeting, 2019. e-Pub 2019.
- Hou S, Zhang H, Petersen E, Koyyalagunta D, Huh B. Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation for Refractory Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Annual ASA meeting, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Koyyalagunta, D. Percutaneous Radiofrequency Cervical Cordotomy for the Treatment of Refractory Cancer Associated Leg Pain: A Case Series. AAPM&R's 2018 Annual Assembly, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Hou S, Koyyalagunta D. Transdiscal splanchnic neurolytic block for abdominal pain. Annual TSA meeting, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Mehta J, Koyyalagunta D. Acetazolamide for headaches associated with intracranial metastatic disease. Annual TSA meeting, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Koyyalagunta, D. Dorsal ganglion stimulator for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy. Annual ASA meeting, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Koyyalagunta, D. Challenging Intrathecal catheter management in a patient with Von Hippel Landau syndrome. Annual ASA meeting, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Hou S, Novy DM, Felice F, Koyyalagunta D. Efficacy of Superior Hypogastric Plexus Neurolysis for the treatment of cancer related pain. Annual ASA meeting, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Bridges C, Checka C, Newsome T, Koyyalagunta D. Multimodal management of perioperative pain after breast surgery. 1st Surgical Oncology Advanced Nurse Practitioner meeting, 2018. e-Pub 2018.
- Shah K, Koyyalagunta D, Novy D, Chai T, Engle M. The Effectiveness and Safety of Epidural Steroid Injections for the Treatment of Tumor Related Radicular Pain. Cancer Pain Research Consortium, 2017. e-Pub 2017.
- Koyyalagunta, D. Effectiveness of Splanchnic Nerve Neurolysis for Targeting Location of Cancer Pain: Using the Pain Drawing as an Outcome Variable, 2016. e-Pub 2016.
- Aigner C, Hernandez M, Koyyalagunta D, D; N. The Relation of Psychological Symptoms to Impantable Device Outcomes for Cancer Pain Management, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Aigner C, Hernandez M, Koyyalagunta D, novy D. Examining pre to post changes in anxiety, depression, and pain among cancer patients receiving spinal cord stimulator implant or intrathecal pump implant for pain management, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Koyyalagunta D, Engle M, Novy D. The Effectiveness of Alcohol versus Phenol Based Splanchnic Nerve or Celiac Plexus Neurolysis for the Treatment of Intra-Abdominal Cancer Pain, 2014. e-Pub 2014.
- Aigner C, Gebhardt R, Koyyalagunta D, Novy D. Changes in Cognitive Functioning Associated with the Intrathecal Delivery of Pain Medication, 2013. e-Pub 2013.
- Burton A, Dang A, Mendoza T, Toro M, Ting J, Nouri K, Gebhardt R, Phan M, Koyyalagunta D. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty successfully reduce pain in cancer patients with vertebral compression fractures, 2011. e-Pub 2011.
- Mendoza TR, Koyyalagunta L, Burton AW, Thomas SK, Giralt S, Shah JJ, Ting J, Perez-Toro MR, Cleeland CS. The impact of pain reduction on other symptoms in patients with multiple myeloma-related painful vertebral fracture treated with kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. J Clin Ocol, 2010. e-Pub 2010.
Book Chapters
- Vissers, K, Roychoudhury, P, Koyyalagunta, D. Complications in the pharmacologic approach of pain, 38-47, 2022.
- Koyyalagunta D. Palliative care in a patient with spinal cord compression. In: Problem Oriented Palliative Care, 2021.
- Chai, T, Erian, J, Joshi, M, Driver, LC, Koyyalagunta, D. Approach to Pain in Patients with Central Nervous System Metastases, 673-685, 2020.
- Le Short C, Koyyalagunta D. Pathophysiology, Assessment and Treatment of Chronic Cancer Pain in Critically Ill Patients. In: Oncologic Critical Care Textbook, 2019.
- Koyyalagunta D, Simmonds MJ, Novy DM. General Pain Management Concepts. In: Essentials of Interventional Cancer Pain Management. Springer, Cham, 2019.
- Koyyalagunta, D, Simmonds, MJ, Novy, DM. General pain management concepts, 47-54, 2018.
- Koyyalagunta, D. Basics of Etiology & Pathophysiology of Pain in Cancer. In: IASP Handbook, 2018.
- Koyyalagunta, D. Interventional treatment of cancer pain. In: Handbook of Cancer Pain, 2017.
- Chai T, Burton AW, Koyyalagunta. Cancer Pain. In: Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences. 2nd Edition. Elsevier, 2015.
- Chai T, Driver L, Koyyalagunta D. Principles and Practice of Pain Medicine. In: Practical Management of Cancer Pain, Third Edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.
- Chai, T, Burton, AW, Koyyalagunta, D. Pain, Cancer, 731-733, 2014.
- Koyyalagunta D, Bhaskar A. Sympathectomy for cancer pain. In: Practical Management of Complex Cancer Pain. Oxford: Oup Oxford, 2014.
- Koyyalagunta, D, Waldman, SD. Opioid Analgesics, 890-912, 2011.
- Koyyalagunta D. Opioid Analgesics. In: Pain Management. 2nd Edition. Elsevier, 2010.
- Koyyalagunta D. Opioid Analgesics. In: Pain Management. 1st Edition. Elsevier, 2007.
- Koyyalagunta, D. Opioid Analgesics, 939-964, 2006.
- Koyyalagunta D. Diabetic Neuropathy. In: Manual of Pain Management. 2nd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 209-214, 2002.
- Koyyalagunta D. Nauropathic pain in cancer. In: Indian Textbook of Palliative Care in Cancer.
- Koyyalagunta D. Systemic Routes of administration of analgesics in cancer. In: Indian Textbook of Palliative Care in Cancer.
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified July 22, 2026