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.

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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.

The event was dedicated to physicians, therapists, patients and their relatives, aiming to provide information about different aspects of pain, raise awareness of pain management, and offer support to individuals dealing with chronic pain. The event was a collaborative effort supported by several organizations and many ResolvePAIN members were present to give their significant contribution discussing the complex nature of pain and comprehensive treatment approaches.

Chronic pain affects a substantial number of individuals in Germany, with around 23 million people (28 percent of the population) reporting such conditions. For approximately six million Germans, the severity of their chronic pain significantly impacts their daily lives and hinders their professional activities. Furthermore, there are 2.2 million people in Germany who experience chronic pain, not related to tumors, along with associated psychological impairments. Despite the high prevalence of chronic pain, the care provided to pain patients in Germany remains a challenge. In this context, by bringing healthcare professionals, scientists and patients together, the 12th "Aktionstag gegen den Schmerz" facilitated a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Throughout the 3-hour meeting, participants had the opportunity to attend informative lectures, talk to experts and, during the coffee break, share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges.

It is hoped that the knowledge gained from this event will contribute to the development of improved pain care strategies and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with pain.

As part of the "Children's University" program at the University Würzburg, approximately 600 young aspiring students gathered on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, in the university's main auditorium. A lively and interactive discussion about why we experience pain, how it arises and what can be done about it took place. Children from 6 to 13 years old listened attentively to the speaker's explanations of ways to eliminate pain, which was impressively demonstrated with a "magic paste" on a brave volunteer.

Following that, Dr. Reinhold, MD, answered the diverse questions from the curious attendees, and finally said goodbye to a group of enthusiastic young pain experts.

Dr. Ann-Kristin Reinhold, MD, works in the Z-Project of the KFO 5001 ResolvePAIN, conducting biosample analyses, and was recently awarded the prestigious DGAI grant from the Fresenius Foundation for her research.

PhD Candidates are eligible for these funds if they plan to finish their doctoral thesis between October 2023 and June 2024. Postdocs are eligible if they aim to play a more prominent role in the second funding part of the KFO 5001. Projects should cover the main goals of the KFO 5001 and pain resolution. External applications are possible.

Funds from ResolvePAIN2.0 will cover to expenses to conduct preliminary experiments and pursue their own research topics with a maximum funding of 20.000 Euro for 6 months.

Expenses may include:

• Supplies and consumables
• Student research assistants (HiWis)
• Travel costs
• Publication fees

Please submit your application by 31.05.2023 via email to resolvepain@ ukw.de

• Completed attached application form.
• Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages) including most important references.
• Cover letter
• Letter of recommendation from your current primary supervisor
• Detailed research proposal and work programme - not exceeding 4 pages!
  Contents: introduction, main research questions/objectives, work plan incl. time schedule, long-term perspective, financial plan
  Layout: Regular A4, Arial, font size 11, spacing 1.5+

Major criteria will be the scientific excellence, the soundness of the submitted proposal and a convincing perspective for a successful academic career as evident from the graduate’s scientific track record including publications. Proposals will also be rated for their additional value to research of the KFO5001.

The applications will be reviewed by one PI from the KFO5001 ResolvePAIN and one member of the GSLS Section Neurosciences. The speaker and the scientific coordinator of the KFO5001together with the GSLS representative will evaluate the reviews and decide on the requested funds from ResolvePAIN2.0 by 31.06.2023. Stipends should be planned so that they can start between 01.07.2023 and 01.12.2023. Beneficiaries are expected to present their results at the DFG on-site review in 2024.