impact factor, citescore
logo
In press
In Press
Recent issue
Recent issue
Recent Supplement
Recent supplement
archives
Archives
articles free
Free to view
Search
Search
 

One year in review

 

Therapeutic advances in fibromyalgia: one year in review 2026

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

 

  1. Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio Hospital, Milan; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy. l.bazzichi@gmail.com
  2. Rheumatology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Carlo Urbani Hospital, Jesi, Italy.
  3. Rheumatology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Carlo Urbani Hospital, Jesi, Italy.
  4. Rheumatology Unit, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Carlo Urbani Hospital, Jesi, Italy.
  5. Interdisciplinary Pain Medicine Unit, Rheumatology Section, Santa Maria Maddalena Hospital, Occhiobello, Rovigo, Italy.
  6. Department of Internal Medicine H, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
  7. Fondazione Paolo Procacci, Rome, Italy.
  8. Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
  9. Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Italy.
  10. Radiology Clinic, Department of Radiology, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
  11. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Villa S. Benedetto Menni, Albese con Cassano, Como; and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
  12. Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio Hospital, Milan; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
  13. Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, ASST Sette Laghi, Ospedale di Circolo, Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy.
  14. IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Exercise Medicine Unit, Milan, Italy.
  15. Fondazione Ermete, Milan; and Opusmedica, Persons Care & Research NPO, Piacenza, Italy.
  16. Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Fibromyalgia Unit, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
  17. Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Galeazzi-Sant’Ambrogio Hospital, Milan; and Fondazione Ermete, Milan, Italy.
  18. Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Fibromyalgia Unit, AOU Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.

on behalf of the Pain Study Group of the Italian Society of Rheumatology (SIR)

CER20135
2026 Vol.44, N°6
PI 1069, PF 1081
One year in review

Free to view
(click on article PDF icon to read the article)

PMID: 42328945 [PubMed]

Received: 14/05/2026
Accepted : 28/05/2026
In Press: 18/06/2026
Published: 22/06/2026

Abstract

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic nociplastic pain syndrome characterised by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment, with a significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Despite the availability of several therapeutic options, management remains challenging and often requires a personalised and multidimensional approach. Over the past year, growing attention has been directed toward both emerging pharmacological strategies and innovative non-pharmacological interventions. Among pharmacological treatments, low-dose naltrexone (LDN) continues to show potential benefits in modulating neuroinflammation and central sensitisation. Cannabinoids and other neuromodulatory agents have also been investigated, with preliminary evidence suggesting a role in symptom control. In addition, novel approaches involving serotonergic modulation, including psychedelic compounds such as psilocybin, are being explored in early-phase studies. Intravenous lidocaine remains a potential option in selected refractory patients, although recent evidence has not substantially expanded its clinical role. Similarly, interest in nutraceuticals and antioxidant compounds is increasing, particularly in relation to mitochondrial function and oxidative stress. Non-pharmacological interventions remain a cornerstone of FM management. Recent studies highlight the importance of structured physical activity, including supervised exercise programs and digitally supported rehabilitation. Emerging approaches such as neuromodulation techniques, including non-invasive brain stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation, are gaining attention. Complementary and body-oriented interventions are also being explored for their potential impact on pain perception and emotional well-being. Overall, current evidence supports a biopsychosocial and multimodal approach, integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies tailored to individual patient profiles. Future research should focus on better phenotyping of patients and on identifying predictors of treatment response to optimise personalised management.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55563/clinexprheumatol/xscnij

Rheumatology Article