Despite advances in biologics, many patients with rheumatoid arthritis still experience persistent inflammation. However, cadherin-6 has recently been identified as a potential treatment target. Hear from Dr. Gary Firestein as he explains the discovery, function, and therapeutic potential of cadherin-6 in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis. Dr. Firestein is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at UC San Diego.

New research presented at the 2025 American College of Rheumatology Convergence highlights a critical link between adverse childhood experiences and mental health outcomes in adolescents with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). In this AudioAbstract, Ryan Quigley explores the findings, the implications for trauma-informed care, and the need to assess psychosocial history in managing cSLE.

Preventing serious infections should be a priority when treating patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, especially those receiving immunosuppressive therapies. By assessing patients’ level of immunocompetence, clinicians can better tailor vaccination strategies and optimize infection prevention. Hear Dr. Leonard Calabrese discuss how to evaluate immunosuppression risk and coordinate timely vaccinations for patients undergoing immunomodulatory treatments. Dr. Calabrese heads the Section of Clinical Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, where he manages the Clinical Immunology Clinic and is on the staff of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases. He also spoke on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West conference.

Despite common misconceptions, lupus nephritis is part of a broader immune imbalance seen in systemic lupus, not a separate condition. This is why it's important to shift focus from organ-specific treatment to immune dysregulation targeting. Hear Dr. Joan Merrill, Professor at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Research Program in Oklahoma City, discuss the spectrum of lupus and, based on that, considerations for treatment. Dr. Merrill also presented on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West conference.

Chronic pain is now recognized as a distinct disease that requires more than just a symptom-based approach. Lifestyle factors and psychological health are also important considerations for care, which is why a biopsychosocial approach can be key to better outcomes. Hear Dr. Martin Cheatle discuss the importance of this clinical mindset shift and practical strategies to help patients reduce suffering and improve function. Dr. Cheatle is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and serves as Director of Behavioral Medicine at the PENN Pain Medicine Center and Director of Pain and Chemical Dependency Research at the Center for Studies of Addiction. He also gave a presentation on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West conference.

Diagnosing long COVID continues to pose challenges for clinicians and patients alike. While 2024 diagnostic criteria from the National Academies aimed to make navigating it easier, the framework may raise some concerns, particularly for rheumatologists. Hear Ryan Quigley break down a commentary on the criteria published in July 2025 in Arthritis & Rheumatology that outlines why it may cause problems in the rheumatology community.

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a severely disabling myopathy in which extraskeletal bone forms and accumulates over time within muscles and soft tissues.^1,2 Here’s what we know so far about the mechanisms of heterotopic ossification in patients with FOP.

References:

1. Kaplan FS et al. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2008;22:191–205.
2. Pignolo RJ et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2011;6:80.

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A thoughtful, communicative, and compassionate approach to opioid use is essential for responsible patient use. Join Dr. Martin Cheatle as he explains the neuroscience of chronic pain, the psychosocial components often overlooked in these patients, and evidence-based strategies for evaluating risk and treatment response. Dr. Cheatle is the Director of Behavioral Medicine at the Penn Pain Medicine Center as well as an Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Anesthesiology, and Critical Care and the Director of Pain and Chemical Dependency Research at the Center for Studies of Addiction at the University of Pennsylvania. He also presented on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

For children with rheumatic diseases, early diagnosis, personalized care, and multidisciplinary collaboration are critical for optimal long-term management. Join Dr. John Bridges, Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, as he explains how access, timing, and collaboration shape pediatric rheumatology care. Dr. Bridges presented on this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Our approach to lupus management is accelerating, with emerging results on targeted therapies in skin and renal disease showing promise. Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg shares insights on emerging biologics, CAR-T innovations, and potential barriers in translating treatment breakthroughs into real-world patient care. Dr. Kahlenberg is the Giles Boles and Dorothy Mulkey Research Professor of Rheumatology and a Professor of Internal Medicine at Dermatology at the University of Michigan, and she spoke about this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Patients who are receiving immunotherapy for cancer sometimes develop significant autoimmune complications, which can be fatal. Join Dr. Laura Cappelli, Associate Professor of Medicine and Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, as she explains how multidisciplinary collaboration can help manage these rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Dr. Cappelli also spoke about this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Lupus arises from a complex interaction of genetics, environmental stimuli, and immune system errors. Dive into the pathophysiology behind the disease with Dr. Michelle Kahlenberg, the Giles Boles and Dorothy Mulkey Research Professor of Rheumatology and Professor of Internal Medicine and Dermatology at the University of Michigan, as she examines the mechanisms that contribute to the development of autoreactive immune responses. Dr. Kahlenberg also spoke about this topic at the 2025 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology East conference.

Despite the challenges of managing rheumatoid arthritis—especially for patients with difficult-to-treat cases or a history of cancer—clinical trials, updated guidelines, and data-driven decision-making are helping to shape the future of care. Dive deeper into how rheumatoid arthritis treatment is evolving with Dr. Robin Dore, board-certified rheumatologist and Invited Lecturer at the University of California, Irvine in the Division of Rheumatology.

Rheumatoid arthritis presents uniquely in every patient, which can make treatment decisions complex. As a result, it’s important to balance factors like symptom variations, patient concerns, and medical guidelines to find the right approach. Hear how risk-benefit discussions and evolving treatment strategies can shape care from Dr. Robin Dore, a board-certified rheumatologist and an Invited Lecturer at the University of California, Irvine in the Division of Rheumatology.

With at least 4 percent of patients who experience COVID-19 developing long COVID, improving care for post-infectious chronic conditions is critical. By prioritizing research and education on the rheumatological effects of acute infections, we can address these patients’ unmet needs. Join Dr. Leonard Calabrese, Vice Chairman of the Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Disease and Head of Clinical Immunology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, as he explains what we know so far about these conditions.

Chronic pain isn’t always caused by inflammation—in rheumatic conditions, nociplastic and neuropathic pain can both complicate treatment. Understanding these pain types is crucial to effective patient management. Dr. Philip Mease, Director of Rheumatology Research at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle and Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, explains the complexities behind each type of pain and key considerations for patient care.

Managing pain in chronic rheumatic conditions requires a comprehensive approach. Through education and innovative research, we can develop more effective ways to care for patients. Dr. Philip Mease, Director of Rheumatology Research at Swedish Medical Center and Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, gives a preview into the future of pain management.

Different clinical practice guidelines often have discrepancies from one another, making it a challenge for clinicians to determine which ones are more trustworthy. Here to break down the things clinicians should look for when sorting between guidelines that give discrepant recommendations is Dr. Jason Busse, who presented a session on this exact topic at the 2024 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology.