Potential novel therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain

Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 2023 · DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1138798 · Published: April 21, 2023

Simple Explanation

Neuropathic pain (NP) is a significant health problem that affects millions worldwide and places a heavy economic burden on healthcare systems. Current treatments often fail to provide adequate relief, leading researchers to explore new therapeutic strategies. This review examines ongoing or recently completed clinical trials for NP treatments, focusing on novel approaches like new drug targets and physical therapies, aiming to identify promising strategies for various types of NP. The review highlights that while drug therapy is the main approach, physical treatments are becoming more common. Promising new strategies include novel drug targets, new uses for existing medicines, and innovative physical methods, though it's important to address the challenges of applying research findings in clinical practice.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

914 clinical trials

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
The study identified several potential novel drug targets for different types of neuropathic pain, including BDKRB1, HDAC6, and NMDAR, which are being explored in ongoing clinical trials.
2
Physical means, such as focal muscle vibration (FMV), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and electroacupuncture (EA), are gaining popularity as potential treatments for neuropathic pain, with some showing promising results in clinical trials.
3
The review emphasizes the importance of exploring new implications of conventional drugs for pain relief, such as using N-desmethylclobazam (NDMC) to treat NP by targeting GABAA receptors.

Research Summary

This review summarizes existing clinical trials on neuropathic pain (NP) treatment to provide insights into potential novel therapeutic strategies, including drug targets, new uses for conventional medicine, and physical therapies. Drug therapy remains the primary mode of NP treatment, with an increasing number of novel molecular targets and compounds being discovered. Additionally, physical means are becoming increasingly popular. It highlights novel drug targets, new implications for conventional medicine, and novel physical means as promising strategies for NP treatment, while also noting the challenges of translating research findings into clinical practice.

Practical Implications

Drug Development

The identification of novel drug targets such as BDKRB1, HDAC6, and NMDAR can guide the development of new medications for neuropathic pain.

Clinical Practice

The increasing popularity and potential effectiveness of physical means like FMV, tDCS, and EA suggest that these therapies should be considered as adjuncts or alternatives to drug therapy.

Repurposing Existing Drugs

Exploring new implications of conventional drugs, such as NDMC and erenumab, may provide additional treatment options for neuropathic pain patients.

Study Limitations

1
The review only included clinical trials from ClinicalTrials.gov, potentially missing trials in other databases.
2
Trials completed over 5 years ago were not considered, limiting the scope of the review.
3
The review paid less attention to multimodal pain management programs, drug combination therapy, dietary therapy, and psychological intervention.

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