Peptides, MAbs, Molecules, Mechanisms, and More: Taking a Stab at Cluster Headache

Cluster headache is a highly disabling neurological disorder.

The purpose of this review is to highlight recent therapeutic advances in the treatment of cluster headache such as monoclonal antibodies as well as non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, and examine future potential therapeutic targets.

Several therapeutic agents currently in use may have underlying mechanisms important to cluster headache pathophysiology and have yet to be completely elucidated. The psychobiological aspects of cluster headache have a significant impact on patients, as well as pose limitations for treatment. Neuropeptides may play a role in underlying mechanisms in why cluster headache patients are frequent tobacco smokers. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neuroinflammation may play a role in suicidality. The circadian nature of cluster headache may generate the development of future treatment options. New understanding of mechanisms underlying post-traumatic headache may also provide insights into cluster headache pathophysiology.

Molecular targets and neuromodulation advances have paved the way for a new generation of therapeutic agents in cluster headache. There are several other potential targets.