Pain Research Consortium
Andrew Shepherd, Ph.D. | Carin Hagberg, M.D.
Co-Chairs
Despite pain management, more than half of all patients treated for cancer report pain that is moderate or severe. Pain is poorly managed and can persist into survivorship.
The Pain Research Consortium is a unique platform for collaboration and networking among pain sciences professionals. Bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, this Pain Research Consortium fosters interdisciplinary discussions on cutting-edge research in both clinical and basic sciences. With a focus on bridging gaps between different departments working on pain, the consortium aims to stimulate new research projects and promote a holistic understanding of pain after cancer treatment. By removing silos in pain research, this effort seeks to cultivate innovative solutions and advance patient care.
Why MD Anderson?
As the world’s largest cancer center, MD Anderson has the greatest need for and opportunity to end pain for cancer patients and survivors.
The Pain Research Consortium unites and focuses MD Anderson’s existing expertise and resources and will draw new international talent to succeed in ending cancer pain.
Pain Research Symposium
ADVANCEMENTS IN TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT IN CANCER CARE: This symposium will connect you with MD Anderson clinical and basic science experts dedicated to ending pain for cancer patients and survivors. Engage in poster sessions, talks, and patient-caregiver panels to exchange insights and foster collaboration.
May 9, 2025 – Learn More and RegisterPillars
A Translational Pain Research Program
Acquire P01/R01 grants to bring together institutional talent
Develop collaborations via a seed funding program to discover new mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets and measures of cancer-related pain
Share research findings via networking events and annual meetings
Attract and retain top researchers through integrated talent management
An Infrastructure to Support Success
Establish a data pipeline for outcomes assessment and prediction
Acquire leading-edge technology to accelerate discovery
Leverage existing assets (e.g. APOLLO) to form a pain-specific tissue bank
A World-Class Pain Education Program
Create a seminar series focused on advanced concepts and cutting-edge technology
Develop and market a pain training course with unique emphasis on pain related to cancer and its treatment
Obtain federal training grants
Impact and Deliverables
- A comprehensive, integrated approach to develop diagnostic tools and novel, non-addictive treatments for pain
- Deployment of a platform for subjective and objective diagnosis and assessment of pain
- An educational program for pain researchers and clinicians, delivering training on fundamental concepts and emerging ideas in pain research
- Funded by philanthropic contributions, collaboration with pharma companies and federal grants