Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability. In a recent landmark study, we showed the “no-reflow” phenomenon (when cells remain deprived of blood even after unblocking occluded major vessels) is a major reason why stroke patients fail to improve after treatment. It is known to contribute to complications in heart-attack but is under-recognized and poorly studied in stroke.
In a world-first study using advanced MRIs, the project will study how no-reflow leads to brain injury and counteracts treatments. We will also develop practical methods to help clinicians detect and predict its development.
Understanding cerebral no-reflow will open up an entirely new mechanism of how brain cells are injured, leading to new therapeutic opportunities to improve outcomes of stroke patients. Our findings will directly inform the design of an Australian phase 2 clinical trial (Adenosine+DNase-I) that is planned for 2025. This trial will be the world's first clinical trial targeting the cerebral microvasculature and the no-reflow phenomenon.
Last updated17 January 2023