Next-generation pharmacological strategies for Parkinson's disease: a systematic literature review of symptom management and disease modification.

In 30 seconds

This PRISMA 2020 systematic literature review assessed pharmacological and emerging therapeutic strategies for symptom management and disease modification in Parkinson disease. It included 30 eligible human studies published from 2015–2026, spanning randomised studies, observational research and early clinical trials. Dopaminergic treatment remained central to motor symptom management, while gene-based approaches, stem-cell strategies, nanomedicine, repurposed drugs and AI-supported precision medicine showed potential for neuroprotection or disease modification. However, many approaches remain preclinical or at an early clinical stage, and the review calls for rigorous, larger biomarker-directed trials.

Key findings

• The review included 30 eligible studies: randomised studies, observational studies and early clinical trials.
• Dopaminergic treatment remained central to managing motor symptoms.
• Gene-, cell- and nanotechnology-based approaches showed potential, but some had been evaluated only in animal or in-vitro models.
• Emerging interventions were limited by small samples, invasive delivery, short follow-up and insufficient long-term safety information.

Why it matters

The review highlights a widening range of therapeutic targets beyond symptom control, but potential disease-modifying effects have not yet been established across most emerging approaches. The distinction between preclinical promise and evidence in patients is important when interpreting claims of neuroprotection. Larger, biomarker-directed clinical trials are needed to determine whether these strategies can provide effective and sustainable benefit.

What to keep in mind

The review reports that many interventions had small samples, limited follow-up and inadequate long-term safety information; some approaches were assessed only in animal or in-vitro models.