RecruitingObservational

Studying how body chemistry affects stroke recovery: using blood, clots, and scans to predict treatment results

This study aims to understand how our body chemistry affects recovery after a stroke. Researchers are looking at blood clots removed during stroke treatment, blood samples, and advanced brain scans. They want to find out how clots form and grow, and if certain genes increase stroke risk. By comparing information from stroke patients and healthy volunteers, the study hopes to discover better ways to predict how well someone might recover from a stroke and improve future treatments. There's no direct benefit to those taking part, but the findings could help many people in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Stroke

What is this study about?

Imagine a stroke as a sudden blockage in a blood vessel in the brain, like a traffic jam. This study is trying to understand more about these 'traffic jams' – specifically, the blood clots that cause strokes – and how they affect someone's journey to recovery.

The researchers are collecting information in a few ways. They'll look at actual blood clots removed from stroke patients during a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy, which is a key treatment for some types of stroke. They'll also take small blood samples. To get a bigger picture, they'll use special MRI scans to see inside the brain, learning about its chemistry and how it works after a stroke. By studying these different pieces of the puzzle – blood, clots, and brain scans – they hope to find better ways to predict how well someone will recover from a stroke and improve treatments for everyone.

Who's involved? The study includes two main groups. One group is made up of people who have recently had a stroke and are receiving the clot removal treatment. The other group consists of healthy volunteers who have not had a stroke. Comparing these two groups helps researchers understand the differences and learn more about what happens when a stroke occurs. Ultimately, the goal is to use this knowledge to help doctors make more informed decisions and give stroke patients the best possible care.

Key takeaways

Aims to improve stroke recovery and treatment.
Studies blood clots, blood samples, and brain scans.
Compares stroke patients with healthy volunteers.
No direct benefit to participants, but potential for future patients.
Participation involves giving consent, potentially blood/clot samples, and/or MRI scans.
Runs from November 2025 to August 2028.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, whether you are a healthy volunteer or a stroke patient, you need to be at least 18 years old.

If you are a stroke patient, you would need to be receiving treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, or have been recently transferred there for a specific clot-removal procedure called mechanical thrombectomy.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you cannot have an MRI scan, or if you have certain serious health conditions, you might not be eligible. If you're a woman who could become pregnant, you'll need to be using reliable contraception. Men will also need to use suitable contraception.

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 18 years old or older?
If you've had a stroke, was it treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital with a clot-removal procedure?
Are you able to have an MRI scan?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you're a woman who could become pregnant, are you using reliable contraception?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the research team will first explain the study to you thoroughly, and you will need to give your written consent. If you are a stroke patient, researchers may study the blood clot removed during your treatment and collect a small blood sample from you. They will also gather some basic information about your health and look at your hospital records.

If you are taking part in the imaging (scan) part of the study, you might be asked to avoid eating or drinking (fast) before certain scans, though this is optional. You will attend an MRI appointment, which can last up to 60 minutes. During this time, different types of scans will be used to look at your brain. For some scans, you might drink a special sugary liquid or receive an injection. During the scan, you can ask for breaks if you need them.

Potential risks and benefits

While there isn't a direct personal benefit to you from taking part in this study, the information gathered could greatly help improve stroke treatment for many people in the future. As with any medical procedure, there are some small risks. You might feel a little discomfort from blood samples or injections. MRI scans are generally safe, but some people find the enclosed space or the noise a bit unsettling. Fasting, if you choose to do it, might make you feel hungry or a little dizzy. All equipment used in the scans is tested for safety, but it's important to know it's for research and not routine clinical use. If the study discovers any unexpected health information from your samples or scans, the team will let you know, with your permission.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Cambridge, England

Common questions

What is mechanical thrombectomy?

It's a medical treatment for a type of stroke where doctors carefully remove a blood clot from a blood vessel in the brain.

Will I get results from my individual tests or scans?

The study aims to understand stroke generally, but if they find something unexpected that could affect your health, they will tell you, with your permission.

Do I have to fast before the MRI scan?

Fasting is optional for the MRI, but if you do, it means you shouldn't eat or drink anything (except water) before the scan.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Where is this study taking place?

The study is being run from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK.

How to find out more

Marta Wylot

marta.wylot@nhs.net +44 1223767926 Official trial record

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