Drug-eluting stents and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors: combination therapy for the future.
BACKGROUND
Although coronary stenting has improved the results of coronary interventions compared to coronary angioplasty alone, in-stent restenosis remains a significant limitation of this procedure. Drug-eluting stents with or without glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor therapy represent an additional advance in the evolution of this strategy.


METHODS
We review the currently available trials comparing studies of non-drug-eluting and drug-eluting stents using sirolimus and paclitaxel agents and their derivatives.


RESULTS
Ten studies are available that compare drug-eluting to traditional non-drug-eluting stents. A variety of antiplatelet regimes have been used. The majority of these studies are in the process of being published. No head-to-head studies comparing different drug-eluting stents are available.


CONCLUSIONS
Drug-eluting stents using sirolimus and paclitaxel in combination with enhanced antiplatelet strategies represent an important advantage over non-drug-eluting stents for the reduction of in-stent restenosis. The rate at which drug-eluting stents are adapted into widespread practice depends heavily on whether they are safe, efficacious, and cost-effective in various clinical settings.
Leon
Martin B
MB
Bakhai
Ameet
A
D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D023903:Coronary Restenosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015607:Stents / Q000009:adverse effects
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D019039:Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; D017239:Paclitaxel; D020123:Sirolimus