Biolimus-eluting vs. other limus-eluting stents in NSTE-ACS: A pooled analysis of GLASSY and TWILIGHT

Int J Cardiol. 2023 Jul 15:383:24-32. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2023.04.027. Epub 2023 Apr 18.

Abstract

Background: Biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES) may be associated with better outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared to other current-generation limus-eluting stents (LES).

Aims: To compare BP-BES with other current-generation LES in ACS patients undergoing PCI.

Methods: We pooled individual data of Non-ST-segment elevation (NSTE)-ACS patients from two large randomized controlled trials (GLASSY and TWILIGHT). The BP-BES groups consisted mostly of GLASSY patients, while the control group (other current-generation LES) included exclusively TWILIGHT patients. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stent thrombosis; the key secondary outcome was target-vessel failure (TVF). To account for trial design differences, outcomes were assessed at 3 months (short-term) and between 3 and 12 months (long-term) after PCI and subsequently pooled to estimate the 12-month hazards.

Results: Of 7107 and 6053 NSTE-ACS patients included in the short- and long-term analysis, 32.7% and 36.5% received a BP-BES, respectively. Risk of MACE associated with BP-BES versus other LES was similar at short-term (1.1% vs 1.3%, adjusted HR 0.86, 95%CI 0.53-1.38), lower at long-term (1.7% vs 3.1%, adjusted HR 0.49, 95%CI 0.34-0.72), and lower in the entire 12-month period (pooled adjusted HR 0.61, 95%CI 0.45-0.82). The cumulative 12-month risk of TVF was reduced with BP-BES (adjusted HR 0.52, 95%CI 0.38-0.70).

Conclusion: BP-BES was associated with lower 12-month risks of MACE and TVF compared to other current generation LES among NSTE-ACS patients treated with abbreviated or standard ticagrelor-based DAPT. These non-randomized findings are hypothesis-generating.

Condensed abstract: Differences in clinical outcomes may exist between biodegradable polymer biolimus-eluting stents (BP-BES) and other current-generation limus-eluting stent (LES) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We pooled individual data of about 7000 Non-ST-segment elevation ACS patients undergoing PCI and treated with ticagrelor with or without aspirin from two large randomized controlled trials (GLASSY and TWILIGHT). BP-BES patients derived very largely from GLASSY and other LES patients from TWILIGHT. In this population, BP-BES compared to other current generation LES, were associated with a lower 12-month risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and target-vessel failure.

Keywords: Biodegradable polymer; Biolimus eluting stent; Outcomes; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Ticagrelor.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis

MeSH terms

  • Absorbable Implants
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome* / etiology
  • Acute Coronary Syndrome* / surgery
  • Drug-Eluting Stents* / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention* / adverse effects
  • Polymers
  • Sirolimus
  • Stents
  • Ticagrelor
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Sirolimus
  • Ticagrelor
  • BES
  • Polymers