Tenecteplase Versus Alteplase for Stroke Thrombolysis Evaluation Trial in the Ambulance

Currently, alteplase is the standard clot-dissolving therapy for ischemic stroke, however this treatment is only effective in 30-45% of patients. Importantly, treatment of ischemic stroke is more effective when given within 90 minutes of stroke onset. Means of treating patients earlier with more effective therapies are needed.

Ischemic stroke is a major public health problem, for which effective and accessible drug therapies remain limited. Current management of acute ischemic stroke includes treatment with a solution called alteplase, which dissolves clots in a cerebral artery. The treatment effect of alteplase is much greater if given within 90 minutes of stroke onset.

As a result, there has been a significant push to take stroke care to the patient in the form of the Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU). The MSU is the first designed as a CT-capable ambulance that allows assessment and treatment of stroke patients in the pre-hospital setting. In the proposed research project, we will undertake a clinical trail investigating the effectiveness of a new thrombolytic agent in the MSU, tenecteplase.

Tenecteplase has been shown to be significantly more effective at improving stroke survivor's recovery and opening blocked blood vessels than alteplase in the hospital setting. However, it is unknown if earlier administration of tenecteplase is more effective than early administration of alteplase.

The tested agent, tenecteplase, is cheaper, easier to administer (no time-consuming infusions required) and more practical for an ambulance delivered therapy than the current standard of care alteplase. If tenecteplase results in better clinical outcomes in addition to these practical advantages, there is significant scope for improved patient outcomes and cost savings.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients being attended by the mobile stroke unit with an acute ischemic stroke eligible for thrombolysis using standard clinical and CT criteria.
• Patient's age is ≥18 years
• Premorbid mRS <4

Exclusion criteria

• Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) or other diagnosis (e.g. tumor) identified by CT on the MSU
• Hypodensity in >1/3 MCA territory or equivalent proportion of ACA or PCA territory on non-contrast CT on MSU
• Pre-stroke mRS score of > 3 (indicating significant previous disability)
• Any terminal illness such that patient would not be expected to survive more than 1 year
• Any condition that, in the judgment of the investigator could impose hazards to the patient if study therapy is initiated or affect the participation of the patient in the study.
• Pregnant women.
• Rapidly improving symptoms.