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Continuous Subcutaneous Infusion Systems for Parkinson Disease and Patient Selection Criteria

Panelists discuss how the newly FDA-approved continuous subcutaneous levodopa infusion system (foscarbidopa/foslevodopa) offers another advanced treatment option, exploring the ideal candidates for these continuous infusion therapies based on disease characteristics, previous treatment responses, and patient preferences.

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Continuous Infusion Therapies and Patient Selection

Foscarbidopa/Foslevodopa Subcutaneous Infusion:

  • Prodrug formulation enabling subcutaneous delivery of levodopa
  • Recently FDA approved for motor symptoms in Parkinson disease
  • Demonstrated significant reduction in off time
  • Provides continuous dopaminergic stimulation
  • Different mechanism than apomorphine (levodopa vs direct dopamine agonist)

Ideal Candidates for Continuous Subcutaneous Apomorphine Infusionor Other Infusion Therapies:

  • Inadequate control of motor fluctuations despite optimized oral therapy
  • Significant off time (> 2 hours daily) impacting quality of life
  • Cognitive capacity to manage infusion system or reliable caregiver support
  • No major psychiatric contraindications
  • Good response to levodopa but problematic pharmacokinetics
  • Patients who desire to avoid or who are ineligible fordeep brain stimulation
  • Relatively preserved independence in activities of daily living
  • Patient preference for nonsurgical intervention
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5 experts in this video
Suzanne Bertisch, MD
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