Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner, spokesperson for the Centre for Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine (ZiS) and chair pain medicine, and Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer, consultant at the Neurological Clinic and Polyclinic, spent 90 minutes answering questions on all aspects of chronic pain. In a short introductory lecture, the two experts first presented the latest findings and developments in the diagnosis and treatment of migraine and chronic pain in general. Chronic pain is no longer an inevitable fate, but can be favourably influenced by a variety of therapeutic approaches. 

Interdisciplinary Multimodal Therapy and Pain Research 
This therapy is offered at the ZiS in general and individual therapy modules. The Clinical Research Group KFO5001 ResolvePain, which is established here at the University Hospital under the direction of the speakers and is actively conducting pain research, also contributes to the fact that pain therapy in Würzburg – especially for fibromyalgia and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) – is focus in research and treatment. In ResolvePIAN, there are already initial indications of what constitutes a favourable prognosis for CRPS.
 
After the presentations, participants had the opportunity to ask their personal questions – an offer that was taken up enthusiastically. With almost 100 questions in the chat, the focus was particularly on the new migraine therapies with CGRP antagonists, as well as on medical and non-medical treatment methods.

A resounding success – to be continued
The initiators and organisers of the evening consultation rated the inaugural event as an enormous success. The high number of participants and the great interest in the topic show how relevant public education about chronic pain is. Participants particularly praised the combination of in-depth information and the opportunity for direct exchange with the experts. 
The ZiS, the University Hospital and the self-help representative Gabriele Nelkenstock are therefore planning to continue the format. The aim is to offer those affected and interested parties constant access to current research results and to promote the exchange between medicine and the public.

Recording of the lecture by Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner

Recording of the lecture by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer 
 

He will be the third internationally renowned luminary in pain research to visit the research group under the guidance of Prof. Heike Rittner (MD) and Prof. Claudia Sommer (MD), following in the footsteps of Professors Geha and Price. As with his predecessors, we anticipate an inspiring exchange regarding bilateral research projects and lively discussions concerning the significance and practical implications of the latest research findings.

Prof. Dib-Hajj's specialty lies in sodium channels and their role in the development of chronic pain. Mutations in certain proteins of these voltage-gated ion channels affect the excitability of nociceptors. The excitation threshold of such sensory nerve cells, which receive and transmit electrical pain impulses, is lowered, thereby promoting chronic pain. In his research, the neurobiologist also uses live imaging techniques to visually document the activity of channels in sensory axons.

International recognition

Dr. Dib-Hajj is a Professor of Neurology at the Yale School of Medicine and Deputy Director of the Veteran Administration Medical Center in West Haven, Connecticut. He completed his undergraduate studies at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon, and earned his doctoral degree at Ohio State University, Columbus. Through numerous publications and the establishment of an extensive research network at academia and industry, he has earned significant international recognition. Additionally, he serves as a board member of the National Disease Research Interchange, a non-profit organization supporting the use of human tissue for research purposes.

During his visit from May 16th to 17th, 2024, Prof. Dib-Hajj will deliver a lecture on his research field titled: "Building excitable membranes in sensory neurons".

More information about Prof. Dib-Hajj's lecture, like time and place, can be found in the flyer and in the calendar.

Further information about Prof. Dib-Hajj and his research. 

Chronic pain is a global problem affecting approximately twenty percent of the world's population. Therefore, intensive research is being conducted on all continents to gain new insights into the origin, molecular changes, biomarkers, and more sophisticated techniques, in order to develop new therapeutic approaches. Prof. Dr. Ted Price has specialized particularly in brain plasticity in chronic pain, examining how the brain perceives and processes pain stimuli and the central mechanisms that lead to chronic pain. He has discovered several innovative approaches and is widely recognized as a leading figure in the field of pain research.
Like the CRU 5001, Prof. Dr. Price approaches this task with an interdisciplinary and multifocal focus, working with a larger team of scientists at the Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS). The institute is part of the University of Texas in Dallas and cooperates with UT Southwestern.

Guest Lecture and Personal Encounters

The heads of CRU 5001, Prof. Heike Rittner, MD, and Prof. Claudia Sommer, MD, along with all project leaders of the research group, are looking forward to the personal exchange and meeting with the outstanding pain researcher. During his stay, he will visit the individual laboratories and facilities to learn about the specific research activities and results. Dialogues typically result in inspiring inputs for both sides, which directly influence further research.
Additionally, Prof. Dr. Price will deliver a lecture on the "Mechanisms of Diabetic Neuropathic Pain: Lessons from the human DRG".

Further information about Prof. Dr. Price, his research and the Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS) 
More information about Prof Price's lecture can be found in the flyer and in the calendar.
 

As part of the annual meeting of the NervClub (a study group for peripheral nerves), a symposium on the main topic of neuropathic pain will be held in Würzburg this year. Professor Dr. med. Mirko Pham, event organizer and Director of the Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology at the University Hospital of Würzburg, cordially invites all those interested in the field and who are dedicated to basic and/or clinical research to attend the conference at February 23, 2024.
During the symposium, distinguished experts from across Germany will meet at the Rudolf Virchow Center on University Hospital campus. Focusing on the complex theme of "Understanding and Treating Neuropathic Pain," the latest insights and discoveries will be discussed, offering an interdisciplinary view on the topic. Fundamental topics will also be covered, from understanding the genesis of peripheral nerve pain and disease models, to advancements in radiological detection methods, successful therapeutic approaches, and options for personalized treatment.

Introductory Lectures by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer and Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner

The introductory lectures will be delivered by Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Sommer and Prof. Dr. med. Heike Rittner. Both lead the Clinical Research Group 5001, ResolvePAIN, and are internationally recognized for their expertise in pain management, extending beyond the borders of Germany. Since November 2023, Prof. Rittner held the distinction of being the sole chair in Pain Medicine in Germany. The speakers will focus their presentations on the clinical concept of neuropathic pain.

Participation is free of charge and possible at short notice. Pre-registration is encouraged, but on-site registration on Friday, February 23rd, in the RVZ foyer is also possible.

If you have any further questions or information about travel or accommodation, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Doris Solymosi at the following email address:
solymosi_d@ ukw.de.

Additional details about the program and the event

About the NervClub

The NervClub is comprised of clinicians and scientists dedicated to the initiation, development and pursuit of projects in the peripheral nerve field. As such we are a group of handsurgeons, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, neurophysiologists and neuroanatomists dedicated to interdisciplinary exchange, both on a personal and scientific basis in an attempt to enlarge our nerve orientated network.

Link
 

The Clinical Research Unit 5001 is delighted to announce yet another distinction achieved by our talented team. At the recently concluded "Jahrestagung der Deutschen, Österreichischen und Schweizerischen Gesellschaften für Hämatologie und Medizinische Onkologie (DGHO) 2023", held from October 13th to 16th, 2023, in Hamburg, Prof. Kortüms team received the prestigious poster award for their outstanding research. 

The poster presented at DGHO 2023, authored by the physician scientist Xiang Zhou, MD, and the doctoral student Seungbin Han, under the supervision of Univ.-Prof. Kortüm, MD, whose title was "Bortezomib induced peripheral neuropathy and single nucleotide polymorphisms in PKNOX1" captivated the attention of both peers and experts in the field, earning them the Best Poster Award at the congress.

The study aimed to investigate the intriguing relationship between Bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) during multiple myeloma treatment and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PKNOX1 gene. BIPN is a potentially debilitating side effect of chemotherapy and is, therefore, a significant concern in cancer treatment. Bortezomib, however, is a well-established chemotherapy drug and remains the drug of first choice for the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Prof. Kortüm and his team investigated genetic factors that may predispose patients with multiple myeloma, treated with Bortezomib, to this side effect. The research findings, also highlighted in our Paper of the Month session, indicate that individuals carrying a homozygous genotypic mutation in PKNOX1 (rs2839629) and/or within the intergenic region between PKNOX1 and CBS (rs915854), have a notably increased risk of developing BIPN. This results indicate that conducting a genetic screening for these specific SNPs before initiating BTZ therapy could offer an improved means of assessing a patient's likelihood of experiencing a painful polyneuropathy, potentially serving as a valuable biomarker for tailoring personalized treatment strategies in the future.

As proof of their exceptional work, Dr. Xiang Zhou and Seungbin Han were honored with an award in recognition of their contributions to the advancement of hematology and medical oncology, as well as pain research. This award reaffirms the commitment of our Clinical Research Unit to excellence in clinical research and to producing high-quality research with real-world implications.

Both scientists are conducting their research under the supervision and in collaboration with the CRU 5001 Scientific Coordinator, Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Rittner, Centre for Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine, Dept Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, and were recognized during the Conference with awards for best scientific work.

The NeuPSIG Conference was the second occasion this year that Dr. Becker, one of our talented and dedicated clinician scientists, was honored with the Best Poster Award for her outstanding research on CRPS which is being conducted as part of the Project Z. The work titled, " Clinical and histological studies on CRPS patients" sheds light on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a debilitating condition that has intrigued medical professionals for years. On her work, Dr. Becker identified first clinical as well as histological predictors of pain resolution in CRPS. Both have the potential to transform our understanding of this complex condition, offering hope to all individuals living with chronic pain.

During her medical doctoral thesis, Katharina Mehling, now in her first year in the Dept of Neurosurgery, focused on skin analyses in CRPS patients. The poster "Bilateral deficiency of Meissner corpuscles and papillary blood vessels in early complex regional pain syndrome" offers a new perspective on the early stages of CRPS. Her investigation into the role of Meissner corpuscles and papillary blood vessels in the syndrome provides important information on the neuropathic and vascular symptoms of the disease. Mehling's work holds promise for advancing our ability to diagnose and treat CRPS more effectively.
Her significant contributions have earned her the esteemed recognition of being chosen to deliver an oral presentation at the NeuPSIG trainee data blitz session – a sequence of concise lectures providing a comprehensive overview of the most interesting research presented in the poster session. 

The recognition received by Dr. Juliane Becker and Katharina Mehling at NeuPSIG 2023 highlights the importance of the ongoing research within CRU 5001 in advancing our understanding of pain-related disorders. The success of the aforementioned researchers reflects both their individual talents and the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines Prof. Rittner's group. Their dedication to unraveling the complexities of CRPS brings hope to patients around the world, and we applaud their achievements and look forward to witnessing the impact of their research in the years to come.

Among numerous speakers who presented their research on the occasion of the 3rd Scientific Working Days on Pain Medicine (WATS) of the DGAI on June 16th and 17th in Göttingen, the work of the anesthesiologist from Würzburg was considered the best by the scientific committee. Juliane Becker, MD, was awarded a prize for her research on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a painful condition that emerges after injury.

Since CRPS development involves multiple mechanisms, predicting patient outcomes accurately remains challenging. However, early treatment, including movement training, has shown promise in improving disease progression. Dr. Becker and other members of the team designed a comprehensive long-term prospective observational study including deep phenotyping to identify factors associated with pain resolution in CRPS patients.

The scientific meeting, which this year had the theme "Make Pain Medicine Yours: Ensuring Success for the Future and the Next Generation," is one of the topic-specific events from the field of anesthesiology designed to complement other scientific conferences organized by the DGAI. WATS provides an annual platform for the exchange of information on pain medicine activities in clinical and scientific settings. Within this framework, the best research poster of each year is also awarded.

This year's workshop focused primarily on the issue of a shortage of young scientists and the question of how to shape the future of pain medicine within anesthesiology. Members of the KFO were there and actively participated in the scientific meeting, which included feedback sessions, methodological consultations, and mentoring, in addition to collegial information exchange, with an emphasis on support and networking opportunities.