First-of-its-kind trial tests low-dose radiation to target brain inflammation in Parkinson's disease
Mayo Clinic researchers are studying whether low-dose radiation therapy can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease by targeting inflammation in areas of the brain affected by the disease. The clinical trial is the first to investigate low-dose radiation as an anti-inflammatory approach in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease.
A groundbreaking clinical trial by Mayo Clinic researchers aims to determine if low-dose radiation therapy can slow Parkinson's disease progression by targeting brain inflammation. This innovative approach differs from conventional radiation therapy, which is typically used to treat cancer by delivering higher doses to destroy tumor cells.
Instead, this trial explores whether carefully targeted, low-dose radiation could reduce inflammation in areas of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease, potentially slowing the worsening of symptoms.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by movement impairments, cognitive changes, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells and the accumulation of abnormal proteins. While there is no cure, existing treatments primarily focus on symptom management through medications and, in some cases, procedures like focused ultrasound or deep brain stimulation.
The study, the first to investigate low-dose radiation as an anti-inflammatory strategy in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients, involves delivering targeted radiation to specific brain regions implicated in disease development. Participants undergo brain imaging to plan radiation delivery and provide blood samples to measure biomarkers and assess symptom changes. Over a five-day period, each participant receives one low-dose radiation treatment, lasting around 10 to 15 minutes.
Researchers will monitor changes in inflammatory biomarkers and protein accumulation six hours and at various intervals after treatment, as well as assess dopamine loss through imaging and track physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms throughout the study, which spans up to 12 months. The trial enrolls 20 participants aged 45 to 75 with early-stage Parkinson's disease, excluding those with known genetic causes.
While inflammation is believed to play a significant role across various forms of Parkinson's disease, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This trial could provide valuable insights into the disease's biological processes and inform future research on potential treatments, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of Parkinson's disease and its underlying causes.
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