The buildup of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) is an early feature of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries due to plaque build up). Lipid accumulation in the carotid arteries can cause a blockage (stenosis) of blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Lipid lowering in people with significant carotid artery stenosis is an important strategy to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attacks, and death. Lipid lowering also reduces inflammation and improves carotid plaque composition. The SLICE-CEA CardioLink-8 trial hypothesized that intensive LDL-C lowering with the PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab will reduce the lipid-rich necrotic core (a region of dead cells that can cause plaque destabilization leading to stroke) of carotid artery plaques and provide an important mechanistic link for the improvements in clinical outcomes documented in trials with PCSK9 inhibition. Enrollment for SLICE-CEA is completed and analyses are underway.
View details on ClinicalTrials.gov
