Clinical trials are vital tools in stroke research

Much of the dramatic change in the outlook for many stroke patients has come about as a result of carefully conducted clinical trials testing new treatments, says Martin Brown, Professor of Stroke Medicine at the UCL Institute of Neurology, in an article in the latest Raconteur report “Understanding Stroke”.

Professor Brown cites examples such as RCTs of alteplase leading to the clot-busting drug thrombolysis and the International Carotid Stenting Study which concluded that surgery should remain the treatment of choice. In the Second European Carotid Surgery trial he will test a score based on clinical characteristics and use new imaging techniques to see if it is possible to predict future risk of stroke.

However, he says that “despite the evidence that trials have transformed the care of stroke patients, it is still difficult to raise the funds required”, comparing government and charity expenditure on stroke research with that on cancer research.

Professor Brown remains positive for the future, concluding: “Hopefully, with increasing attention paid to stroke, this will change. Undoubtedly, investment in research will result in further advances in treatment in the future”.

Read more:

Brown, M. “Clinical trials are vital tools in stroke research.” Understanding Stroke, Raconteur. 9th May 2013. http://np.netpublicator.com/netpublication/n22431550/