Conference Information

We are living in remarkable times in cancer care. Advances in diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved survival, with the American Cancer Society estimating 18.1 million cancer survivors as of January 1, 2022—a number projected to grow to 26 million by 2040. While these advances have extended life expectancy, many cancer survivors experience severe and persistent pain because of life-saving treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

To address the critical need to align quality of life with longevity, UC Davis Health has developed a comprehensive and sophisticated cancer pain and supportive care program. This Cancer Pain Update conference will highlight multidisciplinary, evidence-based strategies designed to improve the assessment and management of cancer-related pain. The program will focus on innovative, patient-centered approaches that enhance comfort, function, and overall quality of life for individuals living with and beyond cancer.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

  • Understand emerging opioid-sparing strategies to address a wide range of cancer pain conditions
  • Review the role of intrathecal therapy in cancer pain management and identify best practices
  • Define the End-of-Life Option Act and recognize the importance of cultural competency and awareness surrounding death and dying
  • Review current National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for Cancer Pain to guide best clinical practice

Accreditation

University of California Davis Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

Physicians
The University of California, Davis, Health designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Nurses
For the purpose of recertification, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ issued by organizations accredited by the ACCME.

Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants may claim a maximum of 8.75 Category 1 credits for completing this activity. The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by the ACCME or a recognized state medical society.



Conference Program, Saturday, May 2, 2026

7:00 am Registration, Continental Breakfast
8:15 am - 8:30 am Welcome 
David Copenhaver, MD, MPH
8:30 am - 9:30 am Keynote Speaker
Jeremy Wright Memorial Lecture
Scott Fishman, MD
9:30 am - 10:30 am  Cancer Pain Update
David Copenhaver, MD, MPH
10:30 am - 10:45 am Refreshment Break
10:45 am - 11:45 am Bone Pain and Cancer
Nathan Neufeld, DO 
11:45 am - 12:45 pm Post-Mastectomy/Post-Thoracotomy Pain
Ann Shah, MD 
1:00 pm - 2:15 pm Intrathecal Therapy for Cancer Pain 
Nathan Neufeld, DO
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Cancer Pain and the Neurosurgeon 
Stephano Chang, MD, PhD
3:30 pm Adjourn



Conference Program, Sunday, May 3, 2026

7:00 am Registration, Continental Breakfast
8:15 am - 8:30 am Welcome 
David Copenhaver, MD, MPH
8:30 am - 9:30 am Intrathecal Therapy: An Underutilized Therapy Panel
David Copenhaver, MD, MPH, Ann Shah, MD, Nathan Neufeld, DO
9:30 am - 10:00 am  Ortho Oncology 
Danielle Brown, MD
10:00 am - 10:30 am Radiation Oncology and Cancer Related Pain 
Lauren Boreta, MD
10:30 am - 10:45 am Refreshment Break
10:45 am - 11:15 am NCCN Guidelines and Review 
David Copenhaver, MD, MPH, Ann Shah, MD, Nathan Neufeld, DO
11:15 am - 11:45 am Medical Aid in Dying
Nathan Fairman, MD, MPH
11:45 am - 12:15 pm Unique and Novel Compounded Therapies: A Discussion Regarding Compounded Therapies
David Copenhaver, MD, MPH, Ann Shah, MD, Nathan Neufeld, DO
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm Q & A
12:30 pm

Boxed lunches and Networking

Adjourn