Ongoing Clinical Trials Related to Acute Ischemic Stroke and Thrombectomy
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating treatments for acute ischemic stroke involving mechanical thrombectomy. This trial is examining whether combining a blood-thinning medication called cangrelor with the standard clot-removal procedure can improve recovery outcomes for patients who arrive at the hospital within 24 hours of their stroke symptoms beginning.
Clinical trial locations
Study of cangrelor with mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke selected by perfusion imaging
This research study focuses on improving treatment outcomes for people who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke, a serious condition where blood flow to the brain is suddenly blocked by a clot. When this happens, brain cells begin to die within minutes due to lack of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to various symptoms including sudden weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, vision problems, or severe headache.
The trial examines whether adding a medication called cangrelor to the standard mechanical thrombectomy procedure can help patients recover better. Mechanical thrombectomy is a minimally invasive procedure where doctors insert a thin tube through an artery (usually in the groin) and guide it up to the blocked vessel in the brain to physically remove the clot. Cangrelor is a fast-acting blood-thinning medication that helps prevent platelets from sticking together and forming new clots. It is given directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line during the procedure.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a blockage in specific brain blood vessels (internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery) confirmed by brain imaging
- Stroke symptoms must have started less than 24 hours before the brain imaging
- Must be eligible for mechanical thrombectomy and meet specific brain imaging criteria showing the initial damaged brain area is less than 70 ml
- Must have been independent in daily activities before the stroke
- Must have a stroke severity score of 6 or higher, indicating moderate to severe symptoms
Main exclusion criteria:
- Active or recent bleeding within the last 30 days
- Blood clotting disorders or conditions that increase bleeding risk
- Current use of blood thinners or anticoagulation medications
- History of bleeding in the brain
- Major surgery within the past 30 days
- Severe liver disease or severe uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Known allergy to cangrelor
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days
- Life expectancy less than 3 months due to other medical conditions
- Low platelet count or severe kidney disease requiring dialysis
Focus and goal of the trial:
The main purpose of this study is to determine whether combining cangrelor with mechanical thrombectomy can improve recovery outcomes compared to mechanical thrombectomy alone. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the standard thrombectomy procedure plus cangrelor, and another receiving only the standard thrombectomy procedure. The maximum daily dose of cangrelor will be 150 milligrams, administered for one day.
Throughout the study, doctors will carefully monitor patients through several stages. Initially, your condition will be assessed to confirm the stroke and evaluate blood flow in the brain vessels. After treatment assignment, you will receive the mechanical procedure to remove the blood clot, and possibly the additional cangrelor medication. At 24 hours after treatment, doctors will perform brain imaging and assess your neurological status. Between 24 and 36 hours, additional scans will check for any bleeding. Finally, at three months, a comprehensive evaluation of your recovery and ability to perform daily activities will be conducted, marking the end of your participation in the study.
Investigational treatments:
The study examines three main treatment approaches. Cangrelor is the investigational medication being tested—a fast-acting blood thinner that works by blocking specific receptors on platelet cells to prevent clot formation. Its effects wear off quickly after the infusion is stopped. Mechanical thrombectomy is the standard procedure used to physically remove blood clots from blocked brain vessels using specialized tools guided through a catheter. Best Medical Management refers to the standard supportive care all stroke patients receive, including monitoring of vital signs, blood pressure management, blood sugar control, and other measures to prevent complications and promote recovery.
Summary
This single ongoing trial is being conducted in France and represents an important effort to improve treatment outcomes for acute ischemic stroke patients who are eligible for mechanical thrombectomy. The study specifically focuses on patients who arrive at the hospital within 24 hours of symptom onset and meet specific brain imaging criteria. By investigating whether the addition of cangrelor to the standard clot-removal procedure can enhance recovery, this research may provide valuable insights into optimizing stroke treatment protocols. The trial uses a comprehensive approach with careful monitoring at multiple time points, from initial treatment through a three-month follow-up period, to thoroughly assess both the safety and effectiveness of the combined treatment approach.
