344 research outputs found
Modulation of pain-associated hyperexcitability at central synapses of capsaicin-sensitive nociceptors
A novel model of combined neuropathic and inflammatory pain displaying long-lasting allodynia and spontaneous pain-like behaviour
A targeted mutation disrupting mitochondrial complex IV function in primary afferent neurons leads to pain hypersensitivity through P2Y1 receptor activation.
Antisense ablation of type I metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR1 inhibits spinal nociceptive transmission
Attenuated PLD1 association and signalling at the H452Y polymorphic form of the 5-HT(2A) receptor
Relief of neuropathic pain through epidermal growth factor receptor inhibition: a randomized proof-of concept trial
Objective. Case reports and a case series have described relief of neuropathic pain (NP) after treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFR-Is). These observations are supported by preclinical findings. The aim of this trial was to explore a potential clinical signal supporting the therapeutic efficacy of EGFR-Is in NP. Methods. In a proof-of-concept trial using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 14 patients with severe, chronic, therapy-resistant NP due to compressed peripheral nerves or complex regional pain syndrome were randomized to receive a single infusion of the EGFR-I cetuximab and placebo in crossover design, followed by a single open-label cetuximab infusion. Results. The mean reduction in daily average pain scores three to seven days after single-blinded cetuximab infusion was 1.73 points (90% confidence interval [CI] = 0.80 to 2.66), conferring a 1.22-point greater reduction than placebo (90% CI = -0.10 to 2.54). Exploratory analyses suggested that pain reduction might be greater in the 14 days after treatment with blinded cetuximab than after placebo. The proportion of patients who reported >= 50% reduction in average pain three to seven days after cetuximab was 36% (14% after placebo), and comparison of overall pain reduction suggests a trend in favor of cetuximab. Skin rash (grade 1-2) was the most frequent side effect (12/14, 86%). Conclusions. This small proof-of-concept evaluation of an EGFR-I against NP did not provide statistical evidence of efficacy. However, substantial reductions in pain were reported, and confidence intervals do not rule out a clinically meaningful treatment effect. Evaluation of EGFR-I against NP therefore warrants further investigation.</p
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