- TNK-PLUS randomized 391 patients with proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion and salvageable brain tissue.
- Patients received intravenous tenecteplase before EVT or EVT alone.
- Functional independence at 90 days occurred in 44% of the tenecteplase group and 43% of the EVT-alone group.
- Tenecteplase increased preprocedural reperfusion rates (10% vs 7%) but did not improve functional outcomes.
- Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 5% of the tenecteplase group and 3% of the EVT-alone group.
- Most strokes were related to intracranial atherosclerosis, which may limit generalizability to other populations.
- Researchers said the findings do not apply to patients requiring transfer to EVT-capable centers.
Tenecteplase Fails to Boost EVT Outcomes
Conexiant
May 14, 2026
