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Dean MN, Standaert DG. Levodopa infusion therapies for Parkinson disease. Curr Opin Neurol 2024; 37:409-413. [PMID: 38780079 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW to review recent progress in the development and use of continuous levodopa therapies in Parkinson disease (PD). RECENT FINDINGS Levodopa/Carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is a continuous levodopa therapy which is widely used in the United States, Europe and other countries and is effective at reducing 'off' time. Recent work has shown that LCIG can be useful in managing dyskinesias and can improve nonmotor symptoms and quality of life. Several studies have shown good long-term effectiveness of LCIG. Recent data support the cost-effectiveness of this treatment strategy. Subcutaneous (SC) delivery of levodopa is a newer strategy that avoids the need for a surgically placed gastric tube. Two different products enabling SC delivery of levodopa are in development: ND0612 and foslevodopa/foscarbidopa. Both have recently been shown to reduce 'off' time in randomized, double-blind trials. Adverse effects of SC levodopa are primarily related to skin reactions at the infusion site. SUMMARY Continuous levodopa therapies can be used to treat Parkinson disease motor fluctuations that cannot be managed with standard oral therapies. They may also improve nonmotor symptoms, and improve overall quality of life in patients with advanced PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa N Dean
- Department of Neurology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Poplawska-Domaszewicz K, Batzu L, Falup-Pecurariu C, Chaudhuri KR. Subcutaneous Levodopa: A New Engine for the Vintage Molecule. Neurol Ther 2024:10.1007/s40120-024-00635-4. [PMID: 38874708 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00635-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of Parkinson's disease (PD) continues to evolve with advancements in non-oral levodopa-based therapies aiming to provide continuous drug delivery (CDD). Such therapies address the challenges posed by the emergence of motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, and non-motor fluctuations (NMF) associated with oral levodopa administration and contributing to define the advanced stage of PD. The key focus of this review is placed on subcutaneous foslevodopa/foscarbidopa (Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa) infusion, showcasing its recent clinical availability and efficacy in providing continuous levodopa delivery. While providing an overview of the other non-oral levodopa-based CDD systems, such as intrajejunal levodopa-carbidopa infusion and levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa infusion, we highlight the current promising evidence for Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa to improve, for example, "on time" without troublesome dyskinesia and reducing "off time" in people with advanced PD. Additionally, Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa demonstrates potential in managing early morning off periods, sleep quality and other motor and non-motor symptoms. Moreover, other non-oral CDD options such as ND0612 and DIZ102/DIZ101 are discussed, with focus on their pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, efficacy, and safety profiles. While these advancements present new therapeutic avenues, long-term observational studies are warranted to elucidate their impact on existing PD therapies. Overall, this review provides insights into the evolving landscape of non-oral CDD therapies and offers a pragmatic approach for their integration into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Poplawska-Domaszewicz
- Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Lucia Batzu
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Cristian Falup-Pecurariu
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, County Clinic Hospital, Transilvania University Brasov, Braşov, Romania
- Department of Neurology, Transilvania University Brasov, Braşov, Romania
| | - K Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Freire-Alvarez E, Vanni P, Kurča E, Lopez-Manzanares L, Kovács N, Spanaki C, Gao T, Bergmann L, Sánchez-Soliño O. Dyskinesia and Pain in Advanced Parkinson's Disease: Post Hoc Analysis from the Phase 3b, Open-Label, Randomized DYSCOVER Study. Neurol Ther 2024; 13:437-447. [PMID: 38345741 PMCID: PMC10951158 DOI: 10.1007/s40120-024-00583-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The DYSCOVER study was a phase 3b, open-label, randomized trial (NCT02799381) that evaluated levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) versus optimized medical treatment (OMT) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and a high burden of dyskinesia at baseline (defined as Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale [UDysRS] total score ≥ 30). At week 12, patients receiving LCIG versus OMT experienced significant improvements in dyskinesia, pain, and health-related outcomes. The objective of this analysis was to examine correlations between dyskinesia, pain, and health-related outcomes in PD. METHODS This post hoc analysis assessed correlations between UDysRS, King's Parkinson's Disease Pain Scale (KPPS), 8-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8), Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part II, Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-S) or Change (CGI-C), and "On" time without troublesome dyskinesia at baseline and after 12 weeks of LCIG or OMT. Correlations were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients (categorization: weak, r = 0.20-0.39; moderate, r = 0.40-0.59; strong, r ≥ 0.60). RESULTS Among 61 patients, moderate-to-strong positive and significant correlations were observed between UDysRS and KPPS scores (baseline, r = 0.47; week 12 change from baseline [CFB], r = 0.63; all p < 0.001). UDysRS and KPPS scores had moderate-to-strong positive and highly significant correlations with PDQ-8 scores (baseline, r = 0.45 and 0.46, respectively; CFB, r = 0.54 and 0.64, respectively; all p < 0.001). Moderate positive and significant correlations were observed between UDysRS and CGI-S/CGI-C scores (baseline, r = 0.41; CFB, r = 0.47; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with high dyskinesia burden, positive correlations were observed between dyskinesia, pain, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) at baseline. Improvements in dyskinesia and pain were associated with improvements in HRQoL, demonstrating the clinical burden of troublesome dyskinesia. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02799381.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Freire-Alvarez
- Neurology Department, University General Hospital of Elche, Carrer Almazara, 11, 03203, Elche, Alicante, Spain.
| | - Paola Vanni
- Unit of Neurology, Florence Health Authority, S. M. Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Egon Kurča
- Department of Neurology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Martin, Slovakia
| | | | - Norbert Kovács
- Department of Neurology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Cleanthe Spanaki
- Neurology Department, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Brinker D, Smilowska K, Paschen S, Antonini A, Moro E, Deuschl G. How to Use the New European Academy of Neurology/Movement Disorder Society European Section Guideline for Invasive Therapies in Parkinson's Disease. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2024; 11:209-219. [PMID: 38214401 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decision to choose invasive treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) is complex and needs careful consideration. OBJECTIVES Although the recommendations of the European Academy of Neurology/Movement Disorder Society European Section guideline for invasive therapies of PD are useful, the different clinical profiles of people with PD who seek advice for possible invasive therapy need further attention. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we describe 8 clinical standard situations of people with PD unsatisfied with their current oral treatment where invasive therapies may be considered. These are PD patients presenting with the following symptoms: (1) severe motor fluctuations, (2) beginning of levodopa-responsive fluctuations, severe tremor at (3) young or (4) advanced age, (5) impulse control disorders and related behavioral disorders, (6) hallucinations and psychosis, (7) minimal cognitive impairment or mild dementia, and (8) patients in need of palliative care. For some of these conditions, evidence at lower level or simple clinical considerations exist. CONCLUSIONS There are no one-fits-all answers, but physician and patient should discuss each option carefully considering symptom profile, psychosocial context, availability of therapy alternatives, and many other factors. The current paper outlines our proposed approach to these circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Brinker
- Department of Neurology, UKSH, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Smilowska
- Department of Neurology, UKSH, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Regional Specialist Hospital im. Św. Barbary, Sonowiec, Poland
| | - Steffen Paschen
- Department of Neurology, UKSH, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Angelo Antonini
- Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit, Study Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (CESNE), Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Moro
- Grenoble Alpes University, Chu of Grenoble, Division of Neurology, Grenoble Institute of Neurosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Günther Deuschl
- Department of Neurology, UKSH, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Viljaharju V, Mertsalmi T, Pauls KAM, Koivu M, Eerola‐Rautio J, Udd M, Pekkonen E. Levodopa-Entacapone-Carbidopa Intestinal Gel Treatment in Advanced Parkinson's Disease: A Single-Center Study of 30 Patients. Mov Disord Clin Pract 2024; 11:159-165. [PMID: 38386490 PMCID: PMC10883392 DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel (LECIG) is a novel device assisted treatment option for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). It has been available in Finland since 2020. There is paucity of scientific studies considering LECIG treatment in clinical practice. OBJECTIVES Objectives of this study were to evaluate the changes in medication, adverse events and early discontinuations of LECIG treatment in real life clinical practice. METHODS The records of 30 consecutive patients, who received LECIG between years 2020 and 2022 in Helsinki University Hospital, were retrospectively analyzed. Data considering changes in medication, discontinuations, and adverse events during the first six months of LECIG treatment was collected. RESULTS Mean levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) rose significantly between baseline before LECIG and six months with treatment (1230 mg vs. 1570 mg, P = 0.001). Three patients were discarded during nasojejunal tube test phase and seven discontinued the treatment during six-month follow-up. Most common reasons for discontinuation were difficulty in finding suitable infusion rate and neuropsychiatric problems. Safety issues encountered were similar to those reported with levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) treatment. One case of rhabdomyolysis due to severe dyskinesia during LECIG treatment was observed. Patients were satisfied with the small size of the pump system. CONCLUSIONS LEDD seems to increase during the first months of LECIG treatment. When compared to studies on LCIG, safety profile of LECIG appears similar, but early discontinuation rate is higher than expected. However, long-term studies are lacking. Only clear advantage to LCIG appears to be the smaller LECIG pump size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vili Viljaharju
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Neurology)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Tuomas Mertsalmi
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Neurology)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - K. Amande M. Pauls
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Neurology)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Maija Koivu
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Neurology)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Johanna Eerola‐Rautio
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Neurology)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Marianne Udd
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
| | - Eero Pekkonen
- Department of NeurologyHelsinki University HospitalHelsinkiFinland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Neurology)University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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Pirtošek Z, Leta V, Jenner P, Vérin M. Should continuous dopaminergic stimulation be a standard of care in advanced Parkinson's disease? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:1395-1404. [PMID: 37930456 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02708-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The standard of care is a term that refers to the level of care, skill, and treatment that a healthcare provider should offer to a patient based on the current scientific evidence and the level of medical knowledge available in the field. For Parkinson's disease (PD), the standard care is mostly considered to be oral treatment with dopaminergic drugs, particularly levodopa which remains the 'gold standard'. However, effective management with levodopa during the later stages of the disease becomes increasingly challenging due to the ongoing neurodegenerative process, the consequences of its pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation, and the gastrointestinal barriers to effective drug absorption. As a result, the concept of applying continuous dopaminergic stimulation has emerged with infusion therapies (continuous subcutaneous apomorphine, levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel, and levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel infusion). These therapies seek to provide continuous stimulation of striatal dopamine receptors that is efficient not only in alleviating clinical symptoms, but also in delaying, reducing, and possibly preventing the onset of levodopa-related motor (fluctuations, dyskinesia) and non-motor complications; and they are also associated with clinically relevant side effects. Clinical studies and real-life experience support the notion that infusion therapies should be accepted as part of the standard of care for patients with advanced PD who have refractory, severe, and disabling motor complications that affect their quality of life. However, they should be considered based on the needs of individualized patients and the access to these advanced therapies needs to be made more accessible to the general PD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Pirtošek
- Department of Neurology University Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - V Leta
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neurosciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, The Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
- Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Parkinson and Movement Disorders Unit Fondazione IRCCS Istituto, Neurologico Carlo Besta Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - P Jenner
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - M Vérin
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cliniques de Rennes (INCR), Rennes, France
- Behavior and Basal Ganglia Research Unit, CIC-IT INSERM 1414, University of Rennes, Rennes, France
- Neurology Department, Pontchaillou University Hospital, rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35000, Rennes, France
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