The Lancet Summit: Sex and gender in rheumatology

Sex-based differences in the incidence of many rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases are well documented, but the biological, genetic, environmental, and societal factors underlying these disparities are not well understood. Sex and gender differences are also evident in the clinical manifestations, progression, and potentially outcomes and treatment response, but more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and drivers of these differences and their implications for clinical practice. Disparities also exist in access to and provision of care, which are often more pronounced among the most vulnerable populations and in resource-limited settings.

Sex and gender disparities among patients with rheumatic diseases are mirrored by those within clinical and academic rheumatology. As in many clinical specialties, women are underrepresented in senior academic positions in rheumatology, receive less funding and institutional support, and are underrepresented among authors in the clinical and scientific literature.

Reflecting our ongoing commitment to improving our understanding of sex and gender in rheumatic diseases, the Summit will feature clinical and translation research covering all dimensions of sex and gender in rheumatic disease and exploring their influence on and intersection with disease biology, clinical management, academics, and publishing.

The programme will include the topics outlined below; sessions will be organised around major disease groups. A dedicated issue of The Lancet Rheumatology will be published to coincide with the Summit, featuring outstanding original research, Reviews, Comments, and Correspondence focused on sex and gender in rheumatology.

Conference Topics

• Biological sex differences & the pathophysiology of disease (clinical & translational)
• Sex & gender inequity in disease burden & management
• Biological sex in clinical trial outcomes (clinical outcomes, adverse events, PROs)
• Gender diversity & disparity in academics, research, and publishing