Infusion therapies for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease
In advanced Parkinson’s disease, infusion therapies, including continuous levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel, continuous levodopa-entacapone-carbidopa intestinal gel and continuous subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, are efficacious and safe treatment options. Infusion therapies are able to significantly reduce time in «off» and time in «on» without troublesome dyskinesia and to improve the quality of life of patients. However, they are not without adverse effects that should be closely monitored and which mostly depend on proper handling of the pump systems. Adequate support and education of patients and caregivers are essential. There is no high quality evidence comparing the different infusion therapies and the choice between the various options is individualized and dependent on the patient’s profile and preferences.