Ongoing Clinical Trials for Intracranial Aneurysm
There are currently 2 ongoing clinical trials investigating new approaches to managing intracranial aneurysms. These studies focus on using aspirin-based medications and blood pressure management to prevent complications in patients with unruptured brain aneurysms. Trials are being conducted across multiple European countries including France, Finland, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Clinical trial locations
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
Study of acetylsalicylic acid to prevent stroke in patients undergoing brain aneurysm coiling procedure
This trial is examining whether taking aspirin around the time of a brain aneurysm coiling procedure can help prevent strokes. The coiling procedure is a minimally invasive treatment where tiny metal coils are inserted into the aneurysm to prevent it from rupturing.
Who can participate: Adults aged 18 or older with an unruptured brain aneurysm that can be treated with coiling are eligible. Participants must be able to perform daily activities independently and care for themselves with minimal assistance. They need to be willing to attend all study visits and complete the required procedures throughout the study duration, which runs until May 2027.
Who cannot participate: The trial excludes people with allergies or intolerance to aspirin, those with active bleeding disorders, and individuals who have had major surgery within the last 30 days. Pregnant women, people with stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding history, and those with severe kidney or liver disease cannot join. Additionally, participants must not have had a stroke within the last 6 months, cannot be taking blood-thinning medications that cannot be safely stopped, and must not have uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe heart disease.
What the trial involves: The main goal is to determine if acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) can reduce the occurrence of strokes compared to placebo. Participants will receive either aspirin or an identical-looking placebo capsule once daily for 5 days surrounding the coiling procedure. Doctors will monitor for signs of stroke or other complications, and brain imaging using MRI will be performed 12-48 hours after the procedure to check for any small areas of stroke. Follow-up continues for up to one year to assess recovery, brain function, cognitive abilities, and quality of life.
Investigational medication: The study uses acetylsalicylic acid, commonly known as aspirin. This medication helps prevent blood clots by making blood platelets less sticky. It has been used for many years to prevent heart attacks and strokes in people at risk for these conditions and is taken by mouth.
Study on Managing Risk Factors in Patients with Unruptured Brain Aneurysms Using Carbasalate Calcium and Intensive Blood Pressure Treatment
This trial is studying whether using low-dose aspirin combined with intensive blood pressure management can reduce the risk of an unruptured aneurysm growing or bursting. An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain that has not burst.
Who can participate: Adults aged 18 or older with at least one unruptured aneurysm that is being regularly monitored are eligible. Participants must have had recent imaging (CTA or MRA) within the last 3 months and must be able to understand the trial and provide written informed consent. Women who can become pregnant must use adequate contraception during the trial.
Who cannot participate: The trial excludes people with a history of allergic reactions to aspirin, those with bleeding disorders where blood doesn’t clot properly, and individuals currently taking blood thinners. People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe kidney disease, or liver disease that affects liver function cannot participate. Pregnant women, individuals under 18 or over 80 years old, and those unable to give informed consent are also excluded.
What the trial involves: Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The treatment group receives low-dose aspirin (81-100 mg per day) and aims to keep systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg with weekly home monitoring. The standard care group does not receive aspirin and follows typical blood pressure management, treating high blood pressure only if it exceeds 140 mmHg, without regular home monitoring. The study will monitor whether aneurysms rupture or grow through regular imaging tests. It will also track changes in aneurysm size or shape, development of new aneurysms, and related health events like strokes or heart attacks. The trial continues until June 2029.
Investigational treatments: The study uses low-dose aspirin, which helps prevent blood clots, to see if it can reduce the risk of aneurysm rupture or growth. It also tests intensive blood pressure treatment, which involves managing blood pressure more aggressively than usual with the goal of keeping systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg. Patients use a home blood pressure measuring device for weekly monitoring.
Summary
Both ongoing trials are investigating the use of aspirin-based medications in managing unruptured intracranial aneurysms, but with different approaches. The French trial focuses on the immediate period around the coiling procedure, examining whether short-term aspirin use can prevent procedural complications. In contrast, the multi-country European trial (Finland, Germany, Netherlands) takes a longer-term approach, combining aspirin with intensive blood pressure management to prevent aneurysm growth or rupture over time.
Both studies recognize aspirin’s blood-thinning properties as potentially beneficial, though they target different stages of aneurysm management. The concentration of trials in European countries suggests active research interest in this region for developing preventive strategies for unruptured aneurysms. These studies may provide important evidence about whether relatively simple, accessible medications like aspirin can help reduce serious complications in patients living with unruptured brain aneurysms.
