RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Inflammatory faCtors AfteR acUte Ischemic Stroke

The ICARUS study aims to understand the body's inflammatory response after an ischemic stroke, which happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Researchers want to see how brain inflammation, measured with special PET scans, relates to changes in the brain over time, blood test results, and how well people recover. They will study 36 patients who have recently had a stroke, using various scans and assessments over a year. A smaller part of the study will also test a new MRI technique. The overall goal is to gain more knowledge about stroke recovery and potentially find new ways to help patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Martin Dichgans

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jul 2020

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

Ischemic Stroke

What is this study about?

When someone has an ischemic stroke, it's because a blood clot has stopped blood from getting to part of their brain. This causes the brain to react, and part of this reaction involves 'microglia' – special cells in the brain that help to clean up damage and protect the brain. This reaction can last for several months.

The ICARUS study wants to understand this brain reaction better. Researchers believe that in some people, this microglial activity might be stronger, and this could affect how well they recover after a stroke. By looking at how these brain cells behave, they hope to get a clearer picture of what happens in the brain after a stroke.

To do this, they will use special brain scans and blood tests to measure this brain activity and see how it links to changes in the brain, other markers in the blood, and how patients are doing in their recovery. This information could be really important for understanding stroke better and, over time, might lead to new ways to help people who have had a stroke.

Key takeaways

The study explores brain reactions after an ischemic stroke.
It aims to understand how brain inflammation affects recovery.
Participation involves special brain scans and blood tests over a year.
No new medications are given as part of this research.
The findings could help improve future stroke treatments.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 50 years old and have had a recent ischemic stroke within the last 72 hours. Your stroke should be clearly seen on an MRI scan and affect specific parts of your brain.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. These include if you've had a stroke before, have certain other brain conditions, or are currently taking medicines that affect your immune system. You also can't participate if you've had a recent infection or have a serious illness that might interfere with the study.

You also can't take part if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical devices like a pacemaker that aren't safe for MRI or PET scans. Finally, you must be willing to give your permission to be part of the study and attend all the follow-up appointments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 50 years old or older?
Have you had an ischemic stroke in the last 3 days?
Have you *not* had a stroke before, or other specific brain conditions?
Are you able to have MRI and PET scans?
Are you willing to attend follow-up appointments for a year?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have several appointments over the course of a year. These will include special brain scans, such as PET and MRI scans, and blood tests. Doctors will also check your overall health and do some more general medical assessments. The first assessments will happen soon after your stroke, and then there will be follow-up appointments at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after your stroke. You won't be given any new medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study means you'll have extra medical appointments, including special scans and blood tests, which might involve some inconvenience or minor discomfort. There's also some radiation exposure from the PET scans, which your doctors will discuss with you. However, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. The main benefit is helping doctors learn more about stroke recovery, which could lead to better treatments for future patients, even if it doesn't directly benefit you.

Locations (2)

Insitute for Stroke and Dementia Research
Verified postcode
Munich, Germany· Recruiting
Department of Nuclear Medicine
Verified postcode
Munich, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an ischemic stroke?

An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to a part of your brain, damaging brain cells.

What are microglia?

Microglia are special cells in your brain that act like the brain's immune system, helping to clean up damage and protect it after an injury like a stroke.

Will I receive any new medicine in this study?

No, this study is observational, meaning you won't be given any new medication as part of your participation.

How long does the study last?

If you join, your participation will involve appointments and check-ups over a period of 12 months (one year).

What are PET and MRI scans?

These are special types of brain scans that allow doctors to see detailed pictures of your brain and how it's working.

How to find out more

Martin Dichgans, Prof.

martin.dichgans@med.uni-muenchen.de +49 4400 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.