Statistical Considerations in the Design of Clinical Trials Targeting Prodromal Parkinson Disease

Clinical trials testing interventions for prodromal Parkinson disease (PD) hold particular promise for preserving neuronal function and thereby slowing or even forestalling progression to overt PD. Selection of the appropriate target population and outcome measures presents challenges unique to prodromal PD. We propose 3 clinical trial designs, spanning phase 2a, phase 2b, and phase 3 development, that might serve as templates for prodromal PD trials. The proposed phase 2a trial is of a 3-arm design of short duration and focuses on proof of concept with respect to target engagement and change in a motor outcome in a subset of prodromal participants who already manifest asymptomatic but measurable motor dysfunction as an exploratory aim. The proposed phase 2b trial suggests progression of dopamine transporter imaging specific binding ratio as a primary outcome evaluated annually over 2 years with phenoconversion to PD as a key secondary outcome. The proposed phase 3 trial is a large, simple design of a nutraceutical or behavioral intervention with remote administration and phenoconversion as the primary outcome. We then consider what additional data are needed in the short term to better design prodromal PD trials and examine what longer-term goals would accelerate discovery of safe and effective therapies for individuals at risk of PD. Clear and potentially context-specific definitions of phenoconversion and validation of intermediate endpoints are needed in the short term. The use of adaptive trial designs, master protocols, and research registries would help accelerate therapy development in the long term.

Automated summary

This article presents three different clinical trial designs for interventions and treatments of prodromal Parkinson's disease. In the short term, clear definitions of conversion and validation of intermediate endpoints are needed; in the long term, the use of adaptive trial designs and research registries can accelerate therapy development.