Advanced Therapeutics in Movement and Related Disorders Congress (ATMRD)

The Advanced Therapeutics in Movement and Related Disorders (ATMRD) Congress, held by the PMD Alliance from June 22-25, 2024, brought together clinicians and researchers to discuss the latest therapeutic options for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), and dystonia.

Device-aided therapy for PD

Subcutaneous apomorphine infusion is a device-aided therapy for patients with PD who are experiencing unmanageable motor fluctuations despite oral or transdermal medication. This treatment approach is considered less invasive than enteral levodopa, deep brain stimulation (DBS), or focused ultrasound and is often used when neurosurgical options are not viable. However, successful treatment with apomorphine infusion requires both patient and family concordance, as well as clinical support from an experienced medical team, especially in the early months of the patient being treated.

Treatment delivery systems and surgical management options

Recently, Anvi Gadani, MD, presented a review of various therapeutic delivery systems and surgical management options in a talk at the ATMRD Congress. The types of treatments covered in the presentation included DBS, pump therapy, and focused ultrasound. Gadani spoke about how these options can impact the management of PD, ET, and dystonia.

Deep brain stimulation

DBS is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are implanted into specific areas of the brain and connected to a device that provides electrical stimulation. This therapy helps regulate abnormal brain activity and can improve motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness.

Pump therapy

Pump therapy involves the continuous infusion of medication directly into the body via a small pump device. This method ensures a steady supply of medication and can help reduce fluctuations in symptoms.

Focused ultrasound

Focused ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create a small, targeted lesion in the brain to help reduce tremors and other motor symptoms.

Best practices for discussing therapeutic options with patients

Gadani emphasized the importance of maintaining an informed, open-minded discussion with patients about therapeutic options and providing them with all the available options. Clinicians should consider factors such as the patient’s medical history and comorbidities when discussing treatment options and should strive to provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.

Advantages of subcutaneous infusion pumps

Gadani also discussed the advantages of subcutaneous infusion pumps over traditional surgical procedures for the treatment of PD, ET, and dystonia. She highlighted the less invasive nature of this therapy and the importance of patient and family concordance as well as clinical support.

Overall, the ATMRD Congress brought together experts in the field to discuss the latest therapeutic options for movement disorders. Clinicians should remain open-minded and informed when discussing therapeutic options with patients, and consider factors such as medical history and comorbidities when making treatment recommendations. Subcutaneous apomorphine infusion and other device-aided therapies offer less invasive options for patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgical procedures.

Originally Post From https://www.neurologylive.com/view/importance-informed-patient-conversations-regarding-subcutaneous-infusion-pumps-pd-anvi-gadani

Why Informed Patient Conversations About Subcutaneous Infusion Pumps for PD Matter