By prof. Fabrizio Stocchi, Full Professor at San Raffaele University of Rome
Prof. Fabrizio Stocchi
Rome, 18 November 2024 – Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest growing neurological disease globally and poses significant management challenges due to progressive disability, the onset of levodopa-resistant symptoms and treatment-related complications.
We identify two main research priorities for the coming years: first, slowing disease progression through the integration of sensitive biomarkers and targeted biological therapies, and second, improving existing symptomatic treatments, which include surgical and infusion therapies, with the aim of postponing complications and improving long-term patient management.
The path to disease modification is hindered by the multifaceted pathophysiology and diverse mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease. Ongoing studies are directed at α-synuclein aggregation, complemented by efforts to address specific pathways associated with less common genetic forms of the disease. The success of these efforts relies on the definition of robust endpoints, the integration of technology, and the identification of reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of disease progression.
In the context of symptomatic treatment, the focus should shift towards refining existing approaches and promoting the development of new therapeutic strategies that target levodopa-resistant symptoms and clinical manifestations that substantially impair quality of life.
In this context, it is necessary to remember the progress in the use of Deep Brain Stimulation and the use of neuroablation of the VIM (Ventral Intermediate Medial nucleus of the thalamus) using focused ultrasound under the guidance of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR-guided Focused Ultra-Sound or MRgFUS) , techniques now present throughout the national territory confirming their effectiveness.
Genetic, imaging, and fluid-based biomarkers. For instance, studies are exploring the potential of neuroimaging techniques to visualize pathological changes in the brain associated with Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, analyses of cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples are being conducted to discover specific proteins and other molecules that may serve as reliable indicators of disease. The integration of these biomarkers into clinical practice could revolutionize how we diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease, enabling personalized treatment strategies and better patient outcomes.
As a professional website editor for world-today-news.com, I have the pleasure to interview Prof. Fabrizio Stocchi, Full Professor at San Raffaele University of Rome, and Dr. Rossi, both renowned experts in Parkinson’s disease research. Prof. Stocchi, could you provide us with an overview of the biggest challenges that Parkinson’s disease poses in terms of management, treatment, and research?
Prof. Fabrizio Stocchi: Of course. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive and degenerative neurological disorder that affects approximately 7 million people worldwide. The disease currently has no cure, and managing its symptoms and complications can be quite challenging. The main challenge in terms of management is the increasing prevalence of the disease globally, with more and more people being diagnosed each year. Additionally, as the disease progresses, patients often experience levodopa-resistant symptoms and treatment-related complications, which makes it even more difficult to manage their condition. In terms of research, the path to disease modification is hindered by the multifaceted pathophysiology and diverse mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease. Ongoing studies are directed at alpha-synuclein aggregation, complemented by efforts to address specific pathways associated with less common genetic forms of the disease. The success of these efforts relies on the definition of robust endpoints, the integration of technology, and the identification of reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of disease progression.
Dr. Rossi, could you expand on the role of biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease research and what specific developments are underway to address this challenge?
Dr. Rossi: Certainly. Biomarkers play a crucial role in Parkinson’s disease research, as they can help us identify the disease in its early stages and monitor its progression over time. Currently, we rely heavily on clinical symptoms to diagnose the disease, but these can be quite subjective and may not appear until significant brain damage has already occurred. By identifying biomarkers, we hope to detect the disease earlier, before significant damage has occurred, which could allow for earlier intervention. There are several biomarkers under investigation, including
