Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)Phase 3NAS-TNKNCT06868511
Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Puncture With Tenecteplase for Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage
A Phase 3 study testing Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with Tenecteplase and Standard medical treatment in people with Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH), run by Beijing Tiantan Hospital at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
Background Minimally invasive puncture surgery followed by thrombolysis has been proven to be an effective approach for managing hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Nevertheless, its impact on improving neurological outcomes remains controversial. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)
- What is being tested?
- Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with Tenecteplase and Standard medical treatment
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 732 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 25 Apr 2025to 1 Sep 2027
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥18 years and <80 years.
- Symptoms must have manifested within 24 hours prior to the diagnostic CT (dCT) scan. Cases with an indeterminate onset time are excluded. For patients who present symptoms upon sleeping, the last known time they were well should be used.
- Acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurring in the basal ganglia or thalamus, with a volume between 20-50 mL as measured by ABC/2 method with radiographic imaging (CT, etc.).
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 5-14.
- Stability CT scan done at least 6 hours after diagnostic CT showing clot stability (growth<5 mL as measured by ABC/2 method).
- Randomization should occur within 6 to 24 hours after the diagnostic CT.
- Systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than 180 mmHg maintained for a duration of six hours, documented proximate to the randomization time point.
- Historical Rankin score of 0 or 1.
Who cannot join
- Lobar or subtentorial hemorrhage, including posterior fossa hemorrhage and cerebellar hemorrhage.
- Stability CT scan done at least 6 hours after diagnostic CT showing clot instability (growth ≥5 mL as measured by ABC/2 method).
- Intraventricular hemorrhage necessitating intervention to address mass effect or midline shift attributable to trapped ventricle syndrome secondary to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)-related casting.
- Hemorrhage attributable to other cerebrovascular pathologies, including but not limited to ruptured aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), vascular anomalies, moyamoya disease, hemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic infarct, or recurrence of a recent hemorrhage within the past year, as diagnosed through radiographic imaging.
- Patients presenting with an unstable intracranial mass or progressive intracranial compartment syndrome.
- Thalamic hemorrhages exhibiting evident extension into the midbrain, accompanied by oculomotor nerve palsy or pupils that are dilated and non-reactive. Other supranuclear gaze abnormalities do not constitute exclusion criteria.
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- Irreversible impairment of brainstem function, characterized by bilateral fixed and dilated pupils, extensor motor posturing, and a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of ≤ 4.
- Indications for craniotomy in patients include: 1) progressive impairment of consciousness; 2) presence of brain herniation, with signs related to cerebellar tonsil herniation or temporal lobe gyrus herniation; 3) hematoma located within 1 cm of the cortical surface.
- CT evidence suggesting a high risk of rebleeding, such as spot sign.
- Platelet count <100,000/mL; INR >1.4.
- Any irreversible coagulation disorders (e.g., hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, use of anticoagulants such as warfarin) or known clotting disorders (e.g., hypercoagulable states).
- Inability to maintain INR ≤1.4 using short-acting and long-acting procoagulants (e.g., recombinant human coagulation factor VIIa, fresh frozen plasma, vitamin K, etc.).
- Subjects necessitating long-term anticoagulation therapy are excluded from participation. Reversal of anticoagulation is permissible for medically stable patients who can feasibly tolerate the short-term risks associated with reversal. Patients must not require Coumadin (warfarin) or other anticoagulants during the initial 30-day period.
- Prior to the onset of symptoms, anticoagulants such as dabigatran, apixaban, or rivaroxaban, as well as treatments like tirofiban, ticagrelor, cilostazol, or clopidogrel, were used.
- Internal bleeding involving the retroperitoneal, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary system, or respiratory tract bleeding.
- Superficial or surface bleeding, observed mainly at vascular puncture and access sites (e.g., venous cutdowns, arterial punctures, etc.) or site of recent surgical intervention.
- Positive urine or serum pregnancy test in pre-menopausal female subjects without a documented history of surgical sterilization.
- Allergy/sensitivity to TNK.
- Prior enrollment in the study.
- Engagement in a concurrent interventional clinical investigation or trial. Patients enrolled in observational, natural history, or epidemiological studies that do not involve any form of intervention remain eligible.
- Not expected to survive until the day 180 visit due to co-morbidities, or having DNR/DNI status (Do-Not-Resuscitate and Do-Not-Intubate) prior to randomization.
- The presence of any concurrent serious illness that could confound outcome assessments, including but not limited to hepatic, renal, gastroenterologic, respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrinologic, immunologic, or hematologic disorders.
- Patients with mechanical heart valves are excluded. The presence of bioprosthetic valve(s) is permissible.
- Known risk for embolization, including history of left heart thrombus, mitral stenosis with atrial fibrillation, acute pericarditis, or subacute bacterial endocarditis. Atrial fibrillation without mitral stenosis is permitted.
- Any other condition that, in the investigator's judgment, would present a significant risk to the subject if the investigational therapy were to be initiated.
- Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements.
- Patients deemed by the investigator to have unstable conditions that may benefit from other treatments.
- Patients requesting conservative treatment or standard craniotomy microsurgery treatment.
- The subject or their legal guardian/representative demonstrates an inability or lack of willingness to provide written informed consent.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Beijing Tiantan Hospital
Beijing, China, 100000
Zhi you Wu, +86 15880085161, 786392247@qq.com
About this study
Official title: Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined With Tenecteplase for the Treatment of Acute Spontaneous Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage(NAS-TNK)： a Randomized, Outcome-blinded, Multi-center Trial
Background Minimally invasive puncture surgery followed by thrombolysis has been proven to be an effective approach for managing hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Nevertheless, its impact on improving neurological outcomes remains controversial. The integration of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic (NAS) technology will significantly help enhance the accuracy of catheter placement, while tenecteplase (TNK), a third-generation thrombolytic agent, with greater potency in lysing platelet-rich clots and heightened specificity for fibrin may improve thrombolysis efficiency. However, the efficacy and safety of combining NAS minimally invasive puncture combined with TNK in reducing disability and mortality rates among patients with acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage remain unknown.
Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic MIPS combined with TNK thrombolysis （NAS-TNK）in reducing disability and mortality in patients with deep hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.
Read more
Design NAS-TNK is a randomized, open-label, outcome-blinded multicenter trial, involving 732 participants with acute basal ganglia or thalamic hemorrhage with a hematoma volume ranging from 20-50 mL. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of NAS minimally invasive puncture combined with TNK, administered every 24 hours at a dose of 0.009 mg per milliliter of hematoma volume, compared to participants receiving standard medical care. All patients will be followed up for 180 days.
Study outcomes The primary efficacy outcome is the proportion of subjects in the NAS-TNK group with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score between 0 and 3 at 180 days. The primary safety outcome is the all-cause death at 30-day.
The NAS-TNK study will help improve our understanding of the benefits of NAS minimally invasive puncture combined with TNK in patients with acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage. This ongoing research will provide Level I evidence to guide clinicians in managing acute intracerebral hemorrhage treatment options.
Read the detailed description
Every year, more than 5 million cases of brain hemorrhage are reported worldwide. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been established as an effective approach for treating acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and has received endorsement from both international and national clinical guidelines. Randomized controlled trials, such as MISTIE II, MISTIE III, and ENRICH, have demonstrated that procedures involving minimally invasive puncture or endoscopic hematoma evacuation significantly lower mortality rates among patients suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage. Data from these studies indicate that the mortality rate in the minimally invasive treatment groups has decreased from 18% to 26% down to approximately 9% to 19%. Additionally, the 2022 guidelines published by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend these minimally invasive techniques as the preferred surgical intervention for patients with hematoma volumes exceeding 20 to 30 milliliters.
Minimally invasive puncture surgery (MIPS) combined with thrombolysis is particularly favored for its simplicity and broad applicability. This technique effectively aids in the evacuation of hematomas and alleviates pressure in cases of deep acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages, all while minimizing the risk of iatrogenic injury and maximizing the protection of neural tissue. Although MIPS has shown promising outcomes in reducing procedure-related trauma, the long-term effectiveness of this method in preventing neurological deficits remains a subject of ongoing debate. Recent findings from the MISTIE III trial shed light on this issue. In this trial, the MISTIE group exhibited a mortality rate of 15% at 180 days, a significant reduction compared to the 23% observed in the standard care group (p=0.033). Furthermore, at 365 days, 45% of patients treated with MIPS achieved a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 3, indicating favorable functional outcomes, compared to 41% in the standard medical care group, with no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups.
Nonetheless, subgroup analyses from the MISTIE III trial indicated that patients who underwent surgical intervention and achieved a hematoma reduction to less than 15 mL experienced significantly improved functional outcomes compared to those who received conservative treatment. This suggests that, in clinically stable patients, more aggressive and rapid removal of intracerebral hematomas may effectively lower the risk of mortality and enhance functional outcomes. Therefore, conducting trials that focus on rapid and extensive removal of hematoma volumes combined with MIPS would be beneficial in achieving better functional results.
The precise placement of the catheter tip within the hematoma is critical for the efficient and rapid evacuation of intracerebral hematoma. The thrombolytic agent delivered from the catheter tip relies on gravity to infiltrate and interact with the clot, thereby facilitating its dissolution. Simultaneously, the liquefied hematoma fluid is drained through the catheter tip. Neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic (NAS) technology can significantly enhance the accuracy of catheter tip placement, thereby reducing the risk of iatrogenic injuries and complications.
Tenecteplase (TNK), a third-generation thrombolytic agent derived from alteplase (rt-PA), offers several advantages over its predecessor. Its extended half-life allows for rapid administration via bolus infusion, providing logistical benefits compared to rt-PA. Additionally, TNK demonstrates increased resistance to inactivation by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, resulting in a greater potency for lysing platelet-rich clots. Its heightened specificity for fibrin may also contribute to a reduction in hemorrhagic complications, especially those associated with systemic bleeding. These benefits have been evidenced in studies focused on conditions such as myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. TNK has also shown effective thrombolytic effects, aiding in the dissolution of clots and promoting hematoma clearance. However, the efficacy and safety of combining NAS-assisted minimally invasive puncture with TNK (NAS-TNK) to reduce disability and mortality rates in patients with acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage remain uncertain.
The NAS-TNK trial is designed to explore the impact of precise, rapid, and efficient clearance of hematoma volumes on the improvement of neurological function in patients. This multicenter, randomized, outcome-blinded study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic MIPS combined with TNK thrombolysis in reducing disability and mortality rates in patients suffering from deep hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. This paper presents the design of the NAS-TNK trial and outlines its protocol in detail.
- Conditions
- Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)
- Being tested
- Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with Tenecteplase, Standard medical treatment
- Keywords
- Tenecteplase, Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic, Deep intracerebral hemorrhage
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with TenecteplaseProcedure or surgery
Neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic minimally invasive puncture will enhances catheter placement precision, reducing complications and improving hematoma evacuation and neurological outcomes. TNK, a third-generation thrombolytic will offers advantages over alteplase (rt-PA), including a longer half-life for rapid bolus administration and effective thrombolytic effects to dissolve clots and promote hematoma clearance.
Standard medical treatmentDrug
The standard medical treatment for this group of patients will be provided according to the optimal care standards defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for intracerebral hemorrhage management
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Standard medical treatment group | Sham comparator | The standard medical treatment for this group of patients will be provided according to the optimal care standards outlined by the American Heart Association (AHA) for the management of intracerebral hemorrhage. Receives: Drug: Standard medical treatment |
| NAS-TNK group | Experimental | This intervention involves neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic (NAS) minimally invasive puncture combined with tenecteplase (TNK). NAS minimally invasive puncture enhances catheter placement precision, reducing complications and improving hematoma evacuation and neurological outcomes. TNK, a third-generation thrombolytic, offers advantages over alteplase (rt-PA) , including a longer half-life for rapid bolus administration and effective thrombolytic effects to dissolve clots and promote hematoma clearance. Receives: Procedure: Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with Tenecteplase |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 180 days.
The primary efficacy outcome is the proportion of patients achieving a favorable functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 180 days.
Measured: 180 ±14 days
Secondary outcomes (14)
Dichotomized eGOS (extended Glasgow Outcome Scale) score at 180 days: 4-8 (good) vs. 1-3(poor)
Dichotomized eGOS (extended Glasgow Outcome Scale) score at 180 days: 4-8 (good) vs. 1-3 (poor). The eGOS is scored as: 1=Death, 2=Vegetative state, 3=Lower severe disability, 4=Upper severe disability, 5=Lower moderate disability, 6=Upper moderate disability, 7=Lower good recovery, 8=Upper good recovery.
Measured: 180 ± 14 days
All-cause death at 180 days
All-cause death at 180 days
Measured: 180 ± 14 days
Dichotomized, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score 0-3 vs. 4-6 at 90 days.
Proportion of patients with mRS of 0-3 (good functional status) at 90 days. The mRS is scored from: 0=No symptoms at all, 1=No significant disability, 2=Slight disability, 3=Moderate disability, 4=Moderately severe disability, 5=Severe disability and 6=death. Dichotomized scores are: 0-3=No symptoms to moderate disability requiring some assistance; 4-6=Moderately severe disability requiring complete assistance to death.
Measured: 90 ± 7 days
Dichotomized graded modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 180 days : 0-2 vs. 3-6.
Dichotomized graded modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 180 days post-hemorrhage: 0-2 vs. 3-6. The mRS is scored from: 0=No symptoms at all, 1=No significant disability, 2=Slight disability, 3=Moderate disability, 4=Moderately severe disability, 5=Severe disability and 6=death. Dichotomized scores are: 0-2=No symptoms to slight disability; 3-6=Moderate disability requiring some assistance to death.
Measured: 180 ± 14 days
Ordinal graded modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (0-6) at 180 days.
Ordinal graded modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (0-6) at 180 days. The mRS is scored from: 0=No symptoms at all, 1=No significant disability, 2=Slight disability, 3=Moderate disability, 4=Moderately severe disability, 5=Severe disability and 6=death.
Measured: 180 ± 14 days
Barthel Index (BI) assessment at 180 days.
Barthel Index assessment at 180 days. The Barthel Index (BI) assesses ten functional tasks of daily living, and each task provides a measure for level of independence. Scores range from 0 and 100, with a higher score indicating greater independence.
Measured: 180 ±14 days.
Extended Glasgow Outcome (eGOS) assessment at 180 days.
Extended Glasgow Outcome (eGOS) assessment at 180 days. The extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (eGOS) is a global scale for functional outcome with eight categories: 1 - Death, 2 - Vegetative State, 3 - Lower Severe Disability, 4 - Upper Severe Disability, 5 - Lower Moderate Disability, 6 - Upper Moderate Disability, 7 - Lower Good Recovery, 8 - Upper Good Recovery.
Measured: 180 ± 14 days
The change of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 5-7 days or discharge if earlier from baseline.
The change of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 5-7 days or discharge if earlier from baseline. Patients with a NIHSS score of less than 6 are considered to have a good recovery. The NIHSS is a 11-item scale that assesses language, motor function, sensory loss, consciousness, visual fields, extraocular movements, coordination, neglect, and speech. It is scored from 0 (no stroke symptoms) to 42 (severe stroke).
Measured: 5-7 days
Safety/Mortality - All-cause death at 30 days
All-cause death at 30 days
Measured: Within 30 days.
Safety/Mortality - All-cause death at 7 days
All-cause death at 7 days
Measured: Within 7 days
Safety/Mortality - Symptomatic rebleeding within 6 days
Symptomatic rebleeding events within 6 days post-randomization (defined as a persistent decrease in GCS motor score by more than 2 points, with a CT scan showing a new hematoma with a CT value greater than 72 HU and a volume exceeding 5 ml within the hematoma cavity and surrounding area compared to the prior scan).
Measured: Within 6 days
Safety/Mortality - Intracranial bacterial infection within 30 days
Intracranial bacterial infection within 30 days.
Measured: Within 30 days
Safety/Mortality - Total Adverse Events (AEs) within 30 and 180 days
Total Adverse Events (AEs) across all coded organ systems that occurred within 30 and 180 days.
Measured: Within 30 and 180 days
Safety/Mortality - Total Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) within 30 and 180 days
Total Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) within 30 and 180 days.
Measured: Within 30 and 180 days
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Mar 2025
- Study start25 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Sep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Beijing Tiantan HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 732 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Tiantan Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Dr. Yong Cao, Beijing Tiantan Hospital
- Investigators
- Yong Cao, Principal investigator, Beijing Tiantan Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06868511
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- NAS-TNK-ICH
- Acronym
- NAS-TNK
- Status last verified
- Mar 2025
- First submitted
- 4 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 22 Apr 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 22 Apr 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined With Tenecteplase for the Treatment of Acute Spontaneous Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage(NAS-TNK)： a Randomized, Outcome-blinded, Multi-center Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06868511
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- NAS-TNK / NAS-TNK-ICH
- Conditions
- Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH)
- Keywords
- Tenecteplase, Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic, Deep intracerebral hemorrhage
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 732 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Beijing Tiantan HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 25 Apr 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Background Minimally invasive puncture surgery followed by thrombolysis has been proven to be an effective approach for managing hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Nevertheless, its impact on improving neurological outcomes remains controversial. The integration of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic (NAS) technology will significantly help enhance the accuracy of catheter placement, while tenecteplase (TNK), a third-generation thrombolytic agent, with greater potency in lysing platelet-rich clots and heightened specificity for fibrin may improve thrombolysis efficiency. However, the efficacy and safety of combining NAS minimally invasive puncture combined with TNK in reducing disability and mortality rates among patients with acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage remain unknown.
Aim To evaluate the efficacy and safety of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic MIPS combined with TNK thrombolysis （NAS-TNK）in reducing disability and mortality in patients with deep hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage.
Design NAS-TNK is a randomized, open-label, outcome-blinded multicenter trial, involving 732 participants with acute basal ganglia or thalamic hemorrhage with a hematoma volume ranging from 20-50 mL. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of NAS minimally invasive puncture combined with TNK, administered every 24 hours at a dose of 0.009 mg per milliliter of hematoma volume, compared to participants receiving standard medical care. All patients will be followed up for 180 days.
Study outcomes The primary efficacy outcome is the proportion of subjects in the NAS-TNK group with a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score between 0 and 3 at 180 days. The primary safety outcome is the all-cause death at 30-day.
The NAS-TNK study will help improve our understanding of the benefits of NAS minimally invasive puncture combined with TNK in patients with acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage. This ongoing research will provide Level I evidence to guide clinicians in managing acute intracerebral hemorrhage treatment options.
Detailed description
Every year, more than 5 million cases of brain hemorrhage are reported worldwide. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been established as an effective approach for treating acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage and has received endorsement from both international and national clinical guidelines. Randomized controlled trials, such as MISTIE II, MISTIE III, and ENRICH, have demonstrated that procedures involving minimally invasive puncture or endoscopic hematoma evacuation significantly lower mortality rates among patients suffering from intracerebral hemorrhage. Data from these studies indicate that the mortality rate in the minimally invasive treatment groups has decreased from 18% to 26% down to approximately 9% to 19%. Additionally, the 2022 guidelines published by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association recommend these minimally invasive techniques as the preferred surgical intervention for patients with hematoma volumes exceeding 20 to 30 milliliters.
Minimally invasive puncture surgery (MIPS) combined with thrombolysis is particularly favored for its simplicity and broad applicability. This technique effectively aids in the evacuation of hematomas and alleviates pressure in cases of deep acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhages, all while minimizing the risk of iatrogenic injury and maximizing the protection of neural tissue. Although MIPS has shown promising outcomes in reducing procedure-related trauma, the long-term effectiveness of this method in preventing neurological deficits remains a subject of ongoing debate. Recent findings from the MISTIE III trial shed light on this issue. In this trial, the MISTIE group exhibited a mortality rate of 15% at 180 days, a significant reduction compared to the 23% observed in the standard care group (p=0.033). Furthermore, at 365 days, 45% of patients treated with MIPS achieved a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 3, indicating favorable functional outcomes, compared to 41% in the standard medical care group, with no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups.
Nonetheless, subgroup analyses from the MISTIE III trial indicated that patients who underwent surgical intervention and achieved a hematoma reduction to less than 15 mL experienced significantly improved functional outcomes compared to those who received conservative treatment. This suggests that, in clinically stable patients, more aggressive and rapid removal of intracerebral hematomas may effectively lower the risk of mortality and enhance functional outcomes. Therefore, conducting trials that focus on rapid and extensive removal of hematoma volumes combined with MIPS would be beneficial in achieving better functional results.
The precise placement of the catheter tip within the hematoma is critical for the efficient and rapid evacuation of intracerebral hematoma. The thrombolytic agent delivered from the catheter tip relies on gravity to infiltrate and interact with the clot, thereby facilitating its dissolution. Simultaneously, the liquefied hematoma fluid is drained through the catheter tip. Neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic (NAS) technology can significantly enhance the accuracy of catheter tip placement, thereby reducing the risk of iatrogenic injuries and complications.
Tenecteplase (TNK), a third-generation thrombolytic agent derived from alteplase (rt-PA), offers several advantages over its predecessor. Its extended half-life allows for rapid administration via bolus infusion, providing logistical benefits compared to rt-PA. Additionally, TNK demonstrates increased resistance to inactivation by plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, resulting in a greater potency for lysing platelet-rich clots. Its heightened specificity for fibrin may also contribute to a reduction in hemorrhagic complications, especially those associated with systemic bleeding. These benefits have been evidenced in studies focused on conditions such as myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. TNK has also shown effective thrombolytic effects, aiding in the dissolution of clots and promoting hematoma clearance. However, the efficacy and safety of combining NAS-assisted minimally invasive puncture with TNK (NAS-TNK) to reduce disability and mortality rates in patients with acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage remain uncertain.
The NAS-TNK trial is designed to explore the impact of precise, rapid, and efficient clearance of hematoma volumes on the improvement of neurological function in patients. This multicenter, randomized, outcome-blinded study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic MIPS combined with TNK thrombolysis in reducing disability and mortality rates in patients suffering from deep hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. This paper presents the design of the NAS-TNK trial and outlines its protocol in detail.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Standard medical treatment group | Sham comparator | Drug: Standard medical treatmentThe standard medical treatment for this group of patients will be provided according to the optimal care standards outlined by the American Heart Association (AHA) for the management of intracerebral hemorrhage. |
| NAS-TNK group | Experimental | Procedure: Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with TenecteplaseThis intervention involves neuronavigation-assisted stereotactic (NAS) minimally invasive puncture combined with tenecteplase (TNK). NAS minimally invasive puncture enhances catheter placement precision, reducing complications and improving hematoma evacuation and neurological outcomes. TNK, a third-generation thrombolytic, offers advantages over alteplase (rt-PA) , including a longer half-life for rapid bolus administration and effective thrombolytic effects to dissolve clots and promote hematoma clearance. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Age ≥18 years and <80 years.
- Symptoms must have manifested within 24 hours prior to the diagnostic CT (dCT) scan. Cases with an indeterminate onset time are excluded. For patients who present symptoms upon sleeping, the last known time they were well should be used.
- Acute spontaneous deep intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurring in the basal ganglia or thalamus, with a volume between 20-50 mL as measured by ABC/2 method with radiographic imaging (CT, etc.).
- Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 5-14.
- Stability CT scan done at least 6 hours after diagnostic CT showing clot stability (growth<5 mL as measured by ABC/2 method).
Key exclusion criteria (29 listed)
- Lobar or subtentorial hemorrhage, including posterior fossa hemorrhage and cerebellar hemorrhage.
- Stability CT scan done at least 6 hours after diagnostic CT showing clot instability (growth ≥5 mL as measured by ABC/2 method).
- Intraventricular hemorrhage necessitating intervention to address mass effect or midline shift attributable to trapped ventricle syndrome secondary to intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)-related casting.
- Hemorrhage attributable to other cerebrovascular pathologies, including but not limited to ruptured aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), vascular anomalies, moyamoya disease, hemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic infarct, or recurrence of a recent hemorrhage within the past year, as diagnosed through radiographic imaging.
- Patients presenting with an unstable intracranial mass or progressive intracranial compartment syndrome.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with TenecteplaseNeuronavigation-assisted stereotactic minimally invasive puncture will enhances catheter placement precision, reducing complications and improving hematoma evacuation and neurological outcomes. TNK, a third-generation thrombolytic will offers advantages over alteplase (rt-PA), including a longer half-life for rapid bolus administration and effective thrombolytic effects to dissolve clots and promote hematoma clearance. | Procedure or surgery | NAS-TNK group |
| Standard medical treatmentThe standard medical treatment for this group of patients will be provided according to the optimal care standards defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines for intracerebral hemorrhage management | Drug | Standard medical treatment group |
Primary outcome
Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 180 days.
Time frame: 180 ±14 days
The primary efficacy outcome is the proportion of patients achieving a favorable functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 180 days.
14 secondary outcomes
Dichotomized eGOS (extended Glasgow Outcome Scale) score at 180 days: 4-8 (good) vs. 1-3(poor)
Time frame: 180 ± 14 days
All-cause death at 180 days
Time frame: 180 ± 14 days
Dichotomized, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) Score 0-3 vs. 4-6 at 90 days.
Time frame: 90 ± 7 days
Dichotomized graded modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 180 days : 0-2 vs. 3-6.
Time frame: 180 ± 14 days
Ordinal graded modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score (0-6) at 180 days.
Time frame: 180 ± 14 days
Barthel Index (BI) assessment at 180 days.
Time frame: 180 ±14 days.
Extended Glasgow Outcome (eGOS) assessment at 180 days.
Time frame: 180 ± 14 days
The change of the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 5-7 days or discharge if earlier from baseline.
Time frame: 5-7 days
Safety/Mortality - All-cause death at 30 days
Time frame: Within 30 days.
Safety/Mortality - All-cause death at 7 days
Time frame: Within 7 days
Safety/Mortality - Symptomatic rebleeding within 6 days
Time frame: Within 6 days
Safety/Mortality - Intracranial bacterial infection within 30 days
Time frame: Within 30 days
Safety/Mortality - Total Adverse Events (AEs) within 30 and 180 days
Time frame: Within 30 and 180 days
Safety/Mortality - Total Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) within 30 and 180 days
Time frame: Within 30 and 180 days
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 22 Apr 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Yong Cao principal investigator
Beijing Tiantan Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing Neuronavigation-assisted Stereotactic Minimally Invasive Puncture Combined with Tenecteplase and Standard medical treatment in people with Deep Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH), run by Beijing Tiantan Hospital at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 29 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 22 Apr 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Yong Cao (+86 13601362306, caoyong@bjtth.org), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 180 days. (time frame: 180 ±14 days). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 22 Apr 2025.