Every moment is critical when treating a stroke. Ischemic strokes, which account for 87% of all strokes annually, occur when a blood clot or other blockage disrupts blood flow to the brain. Without immediate treatment, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die, potentially causing lasting neurological damage, disability or even death.
According to the American Stroke Association, more than 750,000 people in the U.S. will have a stroke each year. In Kentucky, strokes are the fifth leading cause of death, underscoring their significant impact both locally and nationally.
Recognizing the urgent need for improved therapies, UofL Health – UofL Hospital and the University of Louisville are actively participating in a pivotal clinical trial known as the Strategy for Improving Stroke Treatment Response (SISTER). This study focuses on patients who come to the emergency department 4.5 to 24 hours after the onset of an ischemic stroke and who are not candidates for standard treatment methods, such as previously approved clot-dissolving medications or mechanical interventions.
Upon arrival, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation and advanced imaging to determine eligibility. If they meet all criteria, they may be enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive one of five doses of the investigational drug TS23, a type of clot-dissolving drug, or a placebo. The treatment is delivered through a single 20-minute infusion, followed by close monitoring and imaging at 30 hours post-treatment, with additional follow-up evaluations at 30 and 90 days to assess outcomes and recovery.
Josh Abecassis, a neurosurgeon with UofL Physicians – Neurosurgery, a part of UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute, and associate professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the UofL School of Medicine, leads the study at the Louisville site.
“By bringing this trial here, we are creating an opportunity for patients in town to get access to cutting-edge therapies that they otherwise could not access and at time windows during a stroke that typically prohibit them from getting a treatment drug. That is exciting,” Abecassis said.
Through innovative research initiatives like the SISTER trial, UofL Health and UofL School of Medicine are working to enhance recovery, reduce long-term neurological damage and expand access to advanced stroke care. These efforts create opportunities for more personalized treatment, offering hope to patients and their families facing the life-altering effects of stroke.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke is crucial. The acronym BE FAST can help you remember the most common warning signs:
- Balance lost – sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes blur – sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
- Face drooping – one side of the face droops or is numb
- Arm weakness – sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Speech difficulty – sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
- Time – note the time the symptoms started and call 911 immediately
If you or someone around you experiences any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care right away. Quick action can make a significant difference in treatment and recovery.
By Allison Dulin, UofL Health
