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Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of temperature-controlled radiofrequency thermocoagulation for the treatment of upper extremity cancer pain, and to evaluate its impact on upper extremity motor function. Methods A total of 56 patients with upper extremity cancer pain who were mainly involved in brachial plexus were treated with radiofrequency thermocoagulation (N = 36) and nerve block (N = 20). Before and 1 d, 3 d and 7 d after treatment, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of pain, upper extremity strength and complications were recorded. Results Compared with nerve block group, patients in radiofrequency thermocoagulation group had lower VAS scores (F = 64.406, P = 0.000) and higher muscle strength (F = 64.405, P = 0.000). Compared with before treatment, patients in radiofrequency thermocoagulation group had lower VAS scores at 1, 3 and 7 d after surgery (t = 25.931, P = 0.000; t = 19.600, P = 0.000; t = 24.817, P = 0.000). There was no significant difference in muscle strength at each time point (P > 0.05, for all). The VAS scores of patients in nerve block group decreased at 1 and 3 d after surgery (t = 19.298, P = 0.000; t = 14.918, P = 0.000), while returned to preoperative level at 7 d after surgery (P > 0.05); muscle strength decreased 1 d after surgery (t = 13.069, P = 0.000), and returned to preoperative level 3 and 7 d after surgery (P > 0.05, for all). No one suffered from complications such as infection or pneumothorax in 2 groups. Conclusions Radiofrequency thermocoagulation is safe and effective in the treatment of upper extremity cancer pain, and has little effect on upper extremity motor function. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2018.10.007