US News & World Report: Cancer drug for Parkinson's patients
UC's Alberto Espay says drug might not be beneficial and doesn't warrant additional study
A drug used to fight chronic myeloid leukemia might also relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a new study finds.
In a phase 2 clinical trial, researchers found that the drug nilotinib (brand name: Tasigna) increased production of dopamine and halted decline in motor function. It was well-tolerated by most participants.
However, Dr. Alberto Espay, professor in the Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine at the UC College of Medicine, director of the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Center for Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders and UC Health physician, published an editorial that states a different opinion. He considers the drug too toxic for Parkinson's patients.
"The data does not support future demonstration of clinical efficacy and the changes in biomarkers are questionable," he says. "This attempt to repurpose nilotinib for the treatment of Parkinson's appears futile."
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