The method, which uses a small pump to deliver medication under the skin, is already showing significant results.
Joanna Siuda, head of neurology at the Katowice center, said during a press conference on Thursday that patients experience visible improvement within days.
"We see effects in the first days of treatment, which patients spend in the hospital," she said. "Most importantly, the sudden fluctuations in functioning that used to occur despite medication are no longer happening."
The new method is used for advanced Parkinson’s disease and involves continuous subcutaneous infusion of two drugs – foslevodopa and foscarbidopa.
Unlike older treatments that were administered orally or intravenously, the new system uses a small pump and a needle placed just under the skin, making it less invasive.
The medication is delivered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with adjustable doses. Patients receive higher doses during active hours and lower doses at night, which helps match their physical needs.
There is also an option to temporarily increase the dose to allow for any planned physical activity such as cycling or running.
Siuda explained that continuous infusion helps prevent sudden worsening of symptoms or waking in distress, which is common with traditional treatment.
“Thanks to this method, patients can stay active, both socially and professionally,” she said.
To begin the therapy, patients must spend several days in the hospital. This initial phase is used to adjust the medication dose, assess its effectiveness and train patients to operate the pump.
The therapy is part of a nationwide drug program launched last year.
The first person to receive it in Poland, Piotr Lipoński, was treated in Katowice.
“This pump has truly changed a lot in my life. It lets me forget I have the disease,” Lipoński said. He added that he no longer has to fear sudden changes in his condition.
So far, 25 patients have begun the new treatment at the Katowice center. The youngest patient waiting to start is 39 years old.
Siuda told reporters that doctors are seeing Parkinson’s diagnosed in younger people. While the average age of onset is between 55 and 60, she cited a case where symptoms began at just 16.
She said environmental factors such as air pollution may be contributing to the rise in younger cases.
“We used to think pesticides were the main chemical risk factor, but now air pollution is playing an increasing role,” she said.
Genetics are also believed to influence the disease as researchers have identified dozens of genes linked to Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects movement. It typically causes tremors, muscle stiffness and balance problems.
Around 100,000 people in Poland are estimated to be living with the disease.
(rt/gs)
Source: PSP