Parkinson, Stocchi from the IRCCS: “Promising signs to slow the disease from monoclonal antibodies. Meanwhile, it is important to look at risk factors as well”
There are nine studies in progress at the Parkinson Center of the IRCCS San Raffaele Rome, directed by prof. Fabrizio Stocchi, on medicines that may hold good prospects for alleviating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, slow it down or affect its onset. In particular, the focus is mainly on two monoclonal antibodies: one for intravenous administration and one for oral administration.
“For the first we have reached the third study, promising signs emerged from the previous ones – explains prof. Stocchi, head of the Parkinson Center of the IRCCS San Raffaele Rome – the drug seems to have good tolerability and we have positive elements, in the second phase study, with respect to its ability to modify the course of the disease. Now the third phase study aims to demonstrate that the monoclonal antibody slows down the progression of Parkinson’s “.
Parkinson’s and monoclonal antibodies: “Since early diagnosis cannot be made, it is important to pay attention to risk factors”
It is about alpha-synuclein monoclonal antibodies, for therapies aimed at blocking the pathological process, “but already slowing it down would be a great result” adds Stocchi, “In any case, given the current impossibility of making early diagnoses, attention must also be paid to the risk factors that can affect the disease “.
A study by IRCCS San Raffaele Rome, at the forefront of research on Parkinson’s and Parkinsonism, supported by a grant dell’INAIL, noted some risk factors. 634 patients from central Italy with disease of Parkinson with no known cause and 532 matched hospital, gender and age checks were performed. Several risk factors were assessed: familiarity, diet, type of work done, being a smoker or former smoker, context and lifestyle.
The study confirmed some associations already present in the literature and highlighted an increased risk of Parkinson in some work activities subject to further study, an important link with diet and lifestyle as well as with familiarity, although not the hereditary disease. Results that could open up new lines of research.
National Parkinson’s Disease Day: all the appointments
The next November 27, on the last Saturday of the month, the national day dedicated to the illness of Parkinson. The San Raffaele will be active with the Parkinson Center of the IRCCS in Rome and that of Cassino Nursing Home. Virtual meetings have been scheduled. In Cassino from 10.00 to 13.00: “LIVING THE PARKINSON IN THE TIME OF COVID-19“. We will talk about how new technologies have helped us in emergency management – Telemedicine and teleconsultation – Psychological support and stress management, LSVT in virtual rooms – Training in the use of Nintendo Wii, robotic technologies and remote monitoring. All ‘IRCCS San Raffaele Rome from 10.30 to 12.30: “LTREES TO ASK: Questions and Answers on Parkinson’s”.