Tetracycline-Derivatives for Treatment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations and Aneurysms

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a treatable cause of stroke in young adults. The processes by which AVMs and giant aneurysms grow in size and spontaneously bleed are unknown. The primary reason to treat AVMs and aneurysms is to guard against intracranial bleeding.

This pilot study will examine the use of two common antibiotics-minocycline and doxycycline-as medical therapy for inoperable or partially treated AVMs and giant aneurysms. These drugs, which are tetracycline derivatives, can reduce the levels of a family of enzymes, called matrix metalloproteases, that degrade tissue and thereby cause a reduction in the risk of spontaneous bleeding from AVMs or aneurysm-which is the main cause of stroke associated with these disorders. The enzymes can contribute to weaknesses in the wall of blood vessels and may increase the risk of the vessel wall rupturing and causing spontaneous bleeding.

This trial also will show that taking minocycline and doxycycline over an extended period in this patient population is safe and well tolerated. Results from this study could help plan future studies to benefit patients with abnormal blood vessels prone to bleeding in their brains.