Transcranial laser therapy for acute ischemic stroke: a pooled analysis of NEST-1 and NEST-2.
BACKGROUND
NeuroThera Effectiveness and Safety Trials (NEST) 1 and 2 have demonstrated safety of transcranial laser therapy (TLT) for human treatment in acute ischemic stroke. NEST 1 study suggested efficacy of TLT but the following NEST 2, despite strong signals, missed reaching significance on its primary efficacy endpoint. In order to assess efficacy in a larger cohort, a pooled analysis was therefore performed.


METHODS
The two studies were first compared for heterogeneity, and then a pooled analysis was performed to assess overall safety and efficacy, and examined particular subgroups. The primary endpoint for the pooled analysis was dichotomized modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0-2 at 90 days.


RESULTS
Efficacy analysis for the intention-to-treat population was based on a total of 778 patients. Baseline characteristics and prognostic factors were balanced between the two groups. The TLT group (n = 410) success rate measured by the dichotomized 90-day mRS was significantly higher compared with the sham group (n = 368) (P = 0·003, OR: 1·67, 95% CI: 1·19-2·35). The distribution of scores on the 90-day mRS was significantly different in TLT compared with sham (P = 0·0005 Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel). Subgroup analysis identified moderate strokes as a predictor of better treatment response.


CONCLUSIONS
This pooled analysis support the likelihood that transcranial laser therapy is effective for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke when initiated within 24 h of stroke onset. If ultimately confirmed, transcranial laser therapy will change management and improve outcomes of far more patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Branko N
BN
Huisa
Andrew B
AB
Stemer
Michael G
MG
Walker
Karen
K
Rapp
Brett C
BC
Meyer
Justin A
JA
Zivin
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*