Cancer pain poses a major challenge in clinical treatment; yet its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Recent advances in understanding the molecular pathways mediating the inflammatory processes accompanying cancer and cancer pain suggest the importance of proinflammatory cytokines. Further studies in this area will facilitate the discovery and validation of potential therapeutic targets for cancer pain.

We invite investigators to submit original research articles as well as review articles that seek to understand the roles of cytokines in the development and maintenance of cancer pain. We are interested in both human clinical studies and preclinical studies using animal models.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Mechanisms and management of cancer pain
• Treatment of cancer pain by targeting cytokines
• Peripheral regulation of cytokines in cancer pain
• Spinal and supraspinal regulation of cytokines in cancer pain
• Clinical investigations and management of cancer pain
• Use of electrical stimulation of peripheral nerve, spinal cord, and/or brain and of Chinese herbs for treating cancer pain