This Congress will welcome contributions on any aspect of neuropathic pain, but will also focus on two important causes: (1) diabetic neuropathic pain; and (2) chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain. These are two of the most prevalent etiologies that challenge us today, and they are both growing in importance as diabetes becomes more common, and as cancer survivorship improves. It is vital that we keep pace with our ability to understand and treat these conditions, and our Congress will feature the very latest knowledge, presented by the foremost scientists and clinicians in the world.

Plenary Sessions
Several internationally known speakers to present timely topics in the field of pain during each morning and afternoon's Plenary Sessions. This program will present a wide array of issues and research that is relevant to both basic scientists and clinicians. See Speakers

Topical Workshops
 Series of simultaneous 90-minute Topical Workshops, providing delegates with great opportunities for floor discussion and learning from leaders in the pain study field. Most sessions will include viewpoints from at least three speakers.

Hands On Workshops--NEW!
Enhance your s experience by participating in innovative sessions designed to provide unique perspectives and professional development.

•  9 May 15:30-18:30-Neurophysiological Methods in the Assessment of Neuropathic Pain in Humans
• 10 May 15:30-18:30-Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)

 

Themes:

Diabetic Neuropathic Pain

Positive and negative sensory symptoms are very common in nerve damage related to diabetes, one of the largest burden in public health worldwide. Patients with diabetes and neuropathy comprise a substantial proportion, even in those with only glucose intolerance, a “pre-diabetic” condition. Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy range from mild numbness and pins and needles in stocking distribution, evolving into painful burning feet with sharp electrical sensations. Much interest has been given to the mechanisms behind nerve damage in diabetes despite of which the understanding of pain mechanisms is incomplete. However, genetic characterisation of these patients and unravelling molecular mechanisms underlying neurophysiological disturbances will help develop strategies for prevention and treatment of this rather common painful condition.

Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Sensory dysfunction and pain are the most common and intractable treatment-limiting factors, and among the most distressing symptoms of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Sensory disturbances in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) range from numbness (paresthesia) and unpleasant tingling (dysesthesia) to painful cramps, deep muscle aches, and spontaneous burning pain. These symptoms are usually symmetrical in a stocking-and-glove distribution and refractory to remedy. The incidence and severity of these symptoms are correlated with duration and dose such that nearly all patients treated with paclitaxel, vincristine, platinum-based agents, or bortezomib experience symptoms, often forcing discontinuation of cancer therapy, which reduces survival.

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Scientific Program Committee

Co-chair: Mario Campero, MD (Chile)
Co-chair: Patrick Dougherty, PhD (USA)

David Bennett, PhD (United Kingdom)
Margarita Calvo, PhD (Chile)
Robert Edwards, PhD (USA)
Sam Eldabe, MD (United Kingdom)
Nanna Finnerup, MD (Denmark)
Simon Haroutounian, PhD (USA)
Aki Hietaharju, MD, PhD (Finland)
Peter Kamerman, PhD (South Africa)
Marzia Malcangio, PhD (United Kingdom)
Esther Pogatzki-Zahn, Prof. Dr. med, (Germany)
Theodore Price, PhD (USA)
Srinivasa Raja, MD (USA)
Andrew Rice, MBBS MD FRCA FFPMRCA (United Kingdom)
Annina Schmid, PhD (United Kingdom)
Emiko Senba, MD, PhD (Japan)
Blair Smith, MD (United Kingdom)
Maree Smith, PhD (Australia)
Claudia Sommer, MD (Germany)
Jan Vollert, MsC (United Kingdom)
David Yarnitsky, MD (Israel)