Don't Scratch that Itch: Emerging Treatments and Novel Pathways in Pruritus JCMS: Author Interviews & Editor's Choice with Dr Kirk Barber (Listen and earn CME credit)

Dr. Catherine Besner-Morin talks with JCMS editor-in-chief Dr. Kirk Barber about the article on treating itch that she co-authored in the September-October 2019 issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. Itch treatment is a major challenge in the dermatologist’s practice. We encounter patients suffering from pruritus on a regular basis, and often lack diverse treatment options to adequately respond to the patients’ needs. Dr. Besner-Morin discusses the novel pathways have been investigated in the last twenty years that are beyond the scope of histamine. Although most did not result in a molecule available on the Canadian market, it is interesting and important as health care providers to stay up to date with new neuronal pathways involved in itch transmission and potential new therapeutic options. In this interview Barber and Besner-Morin discuss pathways targeted in new topical treatments such as antagonist of proteinase-activated receptor-2, the endocannabinoid system, neurotrophins and tropomyosin-related kinase A receptor, the transient receptor potential-vanilloid or transient receptor potential-melastatine ion channels. New systemic therapies are now focusing on antagonizing the neurokinin receptor, modulating the opioidergic system, or targeting itch cytokines such as interleukin-31.Dr. Besner-Morin is a fellow of contact dermatitis at McGill University in Montreal and a Dermatologist at the University of Montreal.Music is by Lee Rosevere.JCMS Author Interviews is Produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.davidrcmcguffin@gmail.com