The initial course of in-stent restenosis influences the response to vascular brachytherapy.
BACKGROUND
Vascular brachytherapy (VBT) reduces the rate of recurrence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) by inhibiting intimal proliferation. However, the rate of cell proliferation, reflected by the speed of ISR development, is variable in ISR lesions and might influence the responsiveness of ISR to radiation. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the initial ISR course on the clinical outcome of patients undergoing VBT.


METHODS
In 1165 patients treated for ISR with VBT in the WRIST studies, we determined the time for ISR (time between initial stent implantation and restenosis), the time for VBT treatment (time between stent implantation and VBT), and previous ISR treatment with conventional strategies. Target lesion revascularization (TLR) at 6 months was available in all patients.


RESULTS
Previous ISR treatment did not influence the result of VBT (TLR was 17% vs. 16% without previous angioplasty). Time to ISR influences the outcome of patients undergoing VBT; TLR decreased when ISR occurred later. TLR was 18.2%, 16.7%, and 11.1% when time to ISR was <90, 90-2700, and >270 days, respectively, P=.03. Early ISR (time for ISR <90 days) is a factor for radiation failure (OR=2.1, P<.05). In patients with early ISR, TLR is lower when VBT is delayed; TLR was 11% if performed 90 days after stent implantation as compared to 22% if VBT is performed early (<90 days), P<.05.


CONCLUSIONS
The course of ISR development affects the long-term efficacy of VBT. Early restenosis remains a factor of treatment failure in the VBT era. Delaying VBT beyond 90 days after stent implantation reduces the rate of subsequent revascularization in these patients.
Cheneau
Edouard
E
Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street, NW, Suite 4B-1, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Leborgne
Laurent
L
Wolfram
Roswitha
R
Dilcher
Christian
C
Pakala
Rajbabu
R
Pichard
Augusto D
AD
Satler
Lowell F
LF
Canos
Daniel
D
Lindsay
Joseph
J
Waksman
Ron
R
D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001918:Brachytherapy; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006083:Graft Occlusion, Vascular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012008:Recurrence; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors