Pain is a complex biopsychosocial phenomenon of which the intensity, location and duration depends on various underlying components. Treatment of
pain is associated with considerable inter-individual variability, and as such, requires a personalized approach. However, a priori prediction of optimal
analgesic treatment for individual patients is still challenging. Another challenge is the assessment and treatment of
pain in patients unable to self-report
pain. In this mini-review, we first provide a brief overview of the various components underlying
pain, and their associated
biomarkers. These include clinical, psychosocial, neurophysiological, and biochemical components. We then discuss the use of empirical and mechanism-based pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling to support personalized treatment of
pain. Finally, we propose how these concepts can be extended to a quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) approach that integrates the components of clinical
pain and treatment response. This integrative approach can support predictions of optimal
pharmacotherapy of
pain, compared with approaches that focus on single components of
pain. Moreover, combination of QSP modelling with state-of-the-art metabolomics approaches may offer unique possibilities to identify novel
pain biomarkers. Such
biomarkers could support both the personalized treatment of
pain and translational drug development of novel
analgesic agents. In conclusion, a QSP approach will likely improve our ability to predict
pain and treatment response, paving the way for personalized treatment of
pain.