The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) is participating in the European EAST-STROKE project, an international clinical trial that aims to improve the prevention of recurrent stroke and other major cardiovascular events through earlier control of heart rhythm in patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke associated with atrial fibrillation.

Atrial fibrillation is one of the leading causes of cardioembolic stroke and is associated with a high risk of recurrence, as well as increased mortality and disability. Despite advances in anticoagulant therapy, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience serious complications after a first stroke. In this context, EAST-STROKE is generating new clinical evidence to optimize the therapeutic approach for these high-risk patients.

EAST-STROKE is a large-scale, prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial designed to assess whether an early heart rhythm control strategy, added to standard treatment (including anticoagulation), can significantly reduce stroke recurrence and other adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart failure or myocardial infarction. The study’s results could have a direct impact on international clinical guidelines, redefining standards of care in secondary stroke prevention.

“The project addresses a key clinical question that has not yet been definitively answered,” explains Dr. Carlos Molina, Head of the Stroke Unit at Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and leader of the Stroke Research Group at VHIR, who coordinates the project’s clinical trial in Spain. “We know that patients with stroke and atrial fibrillation have a particularly complex prognosis. EAST-STROKE will allow us to determine whether earlier intervention on heart rhythm can lead to a real reduction in recurrent events and to better clinical outcomes in the medium and long term.”

Clinical excellence and multidisciplinary collaboration

VHIR’s involvement in EAST-STROKE is based on its Stroke Unit and its extensive experience in clinical and translational research. One of the key elements of the project is the close collaboration between neurologists, cardiologists and arrhythmia specialists, which is essential for addressing a condition that lies at the intersection of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.

“This project is a clear example of how multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to advance precision medicine,” says Dr. Molina. “Coordination between Stroke Units and Cardiology and Arrhythmia Units enables us to apply complex therapeutic strategies with safety and scientific rigor.”

VHIR is actively involved in patient recruitment, implementation of the clinical protocol and quality assurance of the data generated, contributing to the overall success of the trial and the robustness of its results.

A strategically important project at the institutional level

EAST-STROKE, which has been underway for a year and a half, is funded by the Horizon Europe programme through the innovative Lump Sum funding model, which is based on achieving objectives and work packages rather than detailed cost reimbursement. It is the first European project of this kind to be managed by VHIR, a milestone for both the institution and the future management of European projects.

According to Carole Conforti, Senior Project Manager of the Stroke Unit and international project manager, “EAST-STROKE is particularly important not only because of its potential clinical impact, but also because it represents a new way of managing European projects. In this respect, the Lump Sum model helps to reduce administrative burden.”