In the phase 3 TNK-PLUS trial, intravenous tenecteplase given before endovascular treatment (EVT) did not improve 90-day functional independence compared with EVT alone in patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting 4.5 to 24 hours after symptom onset. Among 391 patients, functional independence occurred in 44% of the tenecteplase group and 43% of the EVT-alone group. Although tenecteplase modestly increased preprocedural reperfusion rates, this did not translate into better outcomes. Researchers noted that short thrombolytic dwell times and the study’s specific patient population may limit broader applicability.

Source: JAMA