In a significant advancement for stroke treatment, researchers have demonstrated that the clot-dissolving medication alteplase can effectively treat ischemic stroke patients up to 24 hours after symptom onset, potentially revolutionizing current treatment protocols. The findings, presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 in Los Angeles, could extend life-saving treatment to millions of patients worldwide.
Expanded Treatment Window Shows Promising Outcomes
The study, involving 372 stroke patients, revealed that individuals receiving alteplase between 4.5 and 24 hours after stroke onset showed remarkable improvement compared to those receiving standard care. Dr. Min Lou, the trial's principal investigator from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University's School of Medicine, reported that 40% of patients treated with alteplase achieved minimal to no disability after 90 days, compared to 26% in the standard care group.
Advanced Imaging Enables Precise Patient Selection
The key to this extended treatment window lies in the use of CT perfusion imaging, an advanced brain scanning technique that allows clinicians to identify viable brain tissue capable of recovery. This technological approach enables healthcare providers to make informed decisions about treatment eligibility well beyond the conventional treatment window.
Safety Profile and Risk Assessment
The study demonstrated comparable mortality rates of 10.8% between both treatment groups, though alteplase recipients showed a slightly higher risk of brain hemorrhage (3.8% versus 0.5%). However, researchers consider this increased risk manageable given the significant benefits in functional recovery.
Clinical Implications and Future Directions
This research could fundamentally change the standard of care for stroke treatment, particularly in facilities equipped with CT perfusion imaging capabilities. The current U.S. guidelines, which recommend alteplase administration within 4.5 hours for select patients, may need reconsideration in light of these findings.
"These results offer hope to stroke patients worldwide who may not be able to access clot-dissolving medications within the currently approved time window," stated Dr. Lou. The implications are particularly significant for regions with limited healthcare access or where patients face delays in reaching appropriate medical facilities.
Study Limitations and Next Steps
While promising, the research team acknowledges certain limitations, including the open-label nature of the study and its focus on Chinese patients. Further investigation is needed to validate these results across different populations and to explore the potential of other clot-dissolving medications, such as tenecteplase, in extended time windows.
