Journal of IiME Volume 9 Issue 1 for interest in the field. This gives the researchers an opportunity to discuss ideas and network among themselves. As a result the planned idea of collaborative research encompassing many fields of medicine has emerged. The symposia have been then followed by the more traditional one day conferences with a range of invited speakers – the leaders in their fields of research. Attendees have included patients, clinicians, research scientists and supporters. There is always a buzz of anticipation and no-one is ever disappointed. Work presented is always backed by reliable research. Having attended a number of these meetings now, I feel I have learnt a lot watching the growth of research, acknowledgement of the illness and clinical management. From the small beginnings when we knew this illness was real and in some way tied in with the immune system, I have watched the research evolve to encompass every system of the human body. Science has grown alongside, so that many investigative interventions are now possible, including in depth evaluation of the immune system, microbiological and biochemical studies, advanced brain scanning techniques etc. The search for a biomarker and potential treatment options provide much hope for the future. Inevitably there have been hiccups over the years, with new ideas such as XMRV disappointingly thwarted, but that happens in every branch of medicine. Drugs are now being trialled, and particular inspiration has come from the work of our Norwegian colleagues. Many countries around the world are now involved in research into ME/CFS and clinicians worldwide are better informed. These IiME conferences and symposia have also provided a wonderful opportunity for clinicians and researchers (some of whom are often quite isolated in their own setting) to get to know May 2015 each other well, and have ongoing communication and peer support. So what of the future? I think that our growing understanding of the immune system and its complexity is holding many answers. We know now that the workings of the immune system are interspersed throughout the whole body and involve brain, gastrointestinal tract and many other organs. This helps us understand why this illness is so widespread. Muscle pathology and issues associated with auto-immunity hold promise. This is a multisystem illness, with many potential causes, including likely genetic vulnerability. Finding a biomarker will give credibility to the illness, but what patients need is more specific treatment. At present we can offer management strategies and medication based on individual needs. Drug trials are underway looking at autoimmunity, anti-viral agents etc. Paediatric issues are being addressed by a committee set up to provide guidelines for children with ME/CFS. Those with very severe illness have very special needs too. Invest in ME provides an ongoing forum for development of greater understanding of this complex illness. So much has been clarified from what seemed so complicated to me in the early days. Medicine is never static and we will all go on learning, particularly due to the supreme efforts of organisations such as Invest in ME. Thank you, Kathleen and all at IiME for your work in producing these conferences, so that gradually the answers for our many patients will be forthcoming. ROSAMUND VALLINGS, MNZM Invest in ME (Charity Nr. 1114035) www.investinme.org Page 11 of 57
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