Therapeutic Approaches for the No-Option Refractory Angina Patient

Utilizing Invasive Coronary Functional Testing in a Coronary Microvascular and Vasomotor Dysfunction Program: Methods and Considerations

BACKGROUND

Coronary microvascular and vasomotor dysfunction (CMVD) is associated with a threefold increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and is the primary mechanism responsible for angina/ischemia in patients with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA/INOCA). Proper assessment for CMVD is vital to provide targeted treatment and improve patient outcomes. Invasive coronary functional testing (ICFT) is the "gold standard," for CMVD assessment and can be used to diagnose all endotypes. However, there is a lack of standardization for ICFT protocols and use in the treatment of CMVD.

AIMS

To provide a comprehensive overview of ICFT protocols utilized at the Christ Hospital Womens Heart Center (TCH-WHC).

METHODS

Here, we outline our standard operating procedures for ICFT utilized at TCH-WHC, including the procedures two main methods: Doppler and Thermodilution. We describe our structured approach for ICFT referral and postdiagnostic clinical management utilized at The Christ Hospital Women's Heart Center (TCH-WHC) CMVD program. We then quantified how ICFT has contributed to growth of the TCH-WHC.

RESULTS

From October of 2020 until July of 2024, a total of 422 patients have undergone ICFT at TCH-WCH, 64% were performed via the Doppler protocol and 36% were performed via the Thermodilution protocol. Based on exclusive endotype categories, 19% had an endothelial-independent CMD alone, 19% had endothelial-dependent CMD or microvascular VSA alone, 3% had epicardial VSA alone, 42% had mixed disease (any combination of the above categories), and 17% had a normal ICFT.

CONCLUSIONS

ICFT provides opportunity to provide diagnostic clarity and optimize medical treatment for CMVD. TCH-WHC's structured approach for ICFT referral and protocol for conducting comprehensive ICFT which has been vital for the growth of our specialized CMVD program.

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibition Normalizes Metabolic Derangements in the Ischemic Myocardium

INTRODUCTION

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) have shown efficacy in the context of heart failure but have not been well-studied in ischemic heart disease. We employed a large animal model of chronic coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome (MS) to investigate the hemodynamic and metabolic consequences of SGLT2i administration.

METHODS

Thirty-eight Yorkshire swine were divided into two groups, with half (n = 21) receiving a high fat diet to induce MS, and the other half fed a standard diet (n = 17). All animals underwent thoracotomy for ameroid constrictor placement over the left circumflex coronary artery. Treatment with SGLT2i was then initiated, generating four groups: regular diet placebo (CON, n = 9), regular diet canagliflozin (n = 8), high-fat control (n = 11), and high-fat canagliflozin (n = 10). After 5 wks, all animals underwent terminal myocardial harvest with pressure-volume loop acquisition, perfusion studies, and tissue resection for molecular analysis.

RESULTS

SGLT2i improved multiple measures of myocardial performance, including a nearly 1.5-fold increase in both cardiac output and ejection fraction; these changes were associated with augmented capillary density and a twofold increase perfusion to the ischemic myocardium. These augmentations were blunted; however, in the presence of MS, and associated with modulated myocardial expression of multiple major metabolic enzymes.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2i significantly improved cardiac function in our large animal model of coronary artery disease, with metabolic modulation of the myocardial tissue serving as a candidate account of these changes. The blunting seen with MS underscores the dependence of clinical translatability on faithful representation of the biochemical environment of human disease.

Clinical development and proof of principle testing of new regenerative vascular endothelial growth factor-D therapy for refractory angina: rationale and design of the phase 2 ReGenHeart trial

BACKGROUND

Despite tremendous therapeutic advancements, a significant proportion of coronary artery disease patients suffer from refractory angina pectoris, that is, quality-of-life-compromising angina that is non-manageable with established pharmacological and interventional treatment options. Adenoviral vascular endothelial growth factor-DΔNΔC (AdVEGF-D)-encoding gene therapy (GT) holds promise for the treatment of refractory angina.

METHODS

ReGenHeart is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled and double-blinded phase 2 clinical trial that aims to study the safety and efficacy of intramyocardially administered angiogenic AdVEGF-D GT for refractory angina. Patients will be randomised in a 2:1 ratio and blocks of six to receive either AdVEGF-D or placebo. Primary endpoints are improvements in functional capacity assessed with the 6 min walking test and angina symptoms with Canadian Cardiovascular Society class after 6 month follow-up. Secondary endpoints are improvements in myocardial perfusion assessed with either positron emission tomography or single-photon emission CT after 6 month follow-up and functional capacity and angina symptoms after 12 months. In addition, changes in the quality of life, the use of angina medication and the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events will be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

The phase 2 ReGenHeart trial will provide knowledge of the safety and efficacy of AdVEGF-D GT to ameliorate symptoms in refractory angina patients, extending and further testing positive results from the preceding phase 1/2a trial.

Safety and Efficacy of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Ischemic Heart Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Cell therapy using adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) shows great potential as a treatment for cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review to describe the safety and efficacy of ADSCs in ischemic heart disease.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and LILACS (from inception to March 2024) for clinical studies involving ADSCs in patients with ischemic heart disease. We excluded studies involving patients with other types of heart disease, studies using mesenchymal stem cells derived from other tissues, as well as ongoing studies. Two independent reviewers screened the retrieved citations, extracted relevant data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included trials, using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria modified by McMaster University and Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS). We used a narrative synthesis to present the results.

RESULTS

Ten studies (comprising 29 publications) met our inclusion criteria, including 8 randomized controlled trials and 2 uncontrolled trials. No severe adverse events associated with ADSC therapy were reported. While most efficacy endpoints did not reach statistical significance, there were reports of improved ischemic area, functional capacity, symptoms, and contractility in patients treated with ADSCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from our review suggest that ADSC therapy is generally safe for patients with ischemic heart disease. However, further investigation is warranted to confirm its efficacy, particularly with larger clinical trials and in specific conditions where improvements in microcirculation may have a notable impact on clinical outcomes.

Safety and Effectiveness of Coronary Sinus Reducer in the Therapy of Refractory Angina Pectoris-Mid-Term Results of the Real-Life Cohort

Background: Despite continuous improvements in revascularization techniques, refractory angina without potential revascularization options remains a relevant clinical issue with significant impact on the patient's quality of life. Recently, a novel device, the Coronary Sinus Reducer (CSR), has been introduced into clinical practice as a therapeutic option for patients with disabling angina pectoris. In this single-center, observational study, we evaluated the mid-term (3-month) safety and efficacy of the CSR in a real-world cohort. Methods: The study population consisted of 55 patients with refractory angina without potential revascularization options, who were predominantly men (87.3%) with a high cardiovascular risk factor burden and advanced angina (baseline CCS angina class 3.15 ± 0.6). In terms of procedure safety, all patients underwent successful device deployment with only one periprocedural complication. Results: At the 3-month follow-up, we observed a statistically significant improvement in angina control measured CCS class and SAQ-7 total questionnaire along with increased abolition of physical limitation-6-MWT (233.3 ± 107.1 vs. 305.2 ± 126.8; p < 0.0001). Additionally, we observed significant improvement in terms of quality of life measurements SF-36, the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, and the EQ-VAS. Conclusions: Our real-world data suggest that CSR implantation is a relatively safe procedure and appears to be particularly effective in relieving angina symptoms and improving quality of life in subjects with refractory angina.

Mechanisms of coronary sinus reducer for treatment of myocardial ischemia: in silico study

The coronary sinus reducer (CSR) is an emerging medical device for treating patients with refractory angina, often associated with myocardial ischemia. Patients implanted with CSR have shown positive outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study sought to understand the mechanisms of CSR by investigating its effects on coronary microcirculation hemodynamics that may help explain the therapy's efficacy. We applied a validated computer model of the coronary microcirculation to investigate how CSR affects hemodynamics under different degrees of coronary artery stenosis. With moderate coronary stenosis, an increase in capillary transit time (CTT) [up to 69% with near-complete coronary sinus (CS) occlusion] is the key change associated with CSR. Because capillaries in the microcirculation can still receive oxygenated blood from the upstream artery with moderate stenosis, the increase in CTT allows more time for the exchange of gases and nutrients, aiding tissue oxygenation. With severe coronary stenosis; however, the redistribution of blood draining from the nonischemic region to the ischemic region (up to 96% with near-complete CS occlusion) and the reduction in capillary flow heterogeneity are the key changes associated with CSR. Because blood draining from the nonischemic region is not completely devoid of O2, the redistribution of blood to the capillaries in the ischemic region by CSR is beneficial especially when little or no oxygenated blood reaches these capillaries. This simulation study provides insights into the mechanisms of CSR in improving clinical symptoms. The mechanisms differ with the severity of the upstream stenosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Emerging coronary venous retroperfusion treatments, particularly coronary sinus reducer (CSR) for refractory angina linked to myocardial ischemia, show promise; however, their mechanisms of action are not well understood. We find that CSR's effectiveness varies with the severity of coronary stenosis. In moderate stenosis, CSR improves tissue oxygenation by increasing capillary transit time, whereas in severe stenosis, it redistributes blood from nonischemic to ischemic regions and reduces capillary flow heterogeneity.

Crafting a Rigorous, Clinically Relevant Large Animal Model of Chronic Myocardial Ischemia: What Have We Learned in 20 Years?

The past several decades have borne witness to several breakthroughs and paradigm shifts within the field of cardiovascular medicine, but one component that has remained constant throughout this time is the need for accurate animal models for the refinement and elaboration of the hypotheses and therapies crucial to our capacity to combat human disease. Numerous sophisticated and high-throughput molecular strategies have emerged, including rational drug design and the multi-omics approaches that allow extensive characterization of the host response to disease states and their prospective resolutions, but these technologies all require grounding within a faithful representation of their clinical context. Over this period, our lab has exhaustively tested, progressively refined, and extensively contributed to cardiovascular discovery on the basis of one such faithful representation. It is the purpose of this paper to review our porcine model of chronic myocardial ischemia using ameroid constriction and the subsequent myriad of physiological and molecular-biological insights it has allowed our lab to attain and describe. We hope that, by depicting our methods and the insight they have yielded clearly and completely-drawing for this purpose on comprehensive videographic illustration-other research teams will be empowered to carry our work forward, drawing on our experience to refine their own investigations into the pathogenesis and eradication of cardiovascular disease.

Enhanced External Counterpulsation for the Treatment of Angina With Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease

Angina and nonobstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA) is associated with poor outcomes and limited treatment options. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a noninvasive treatment that involves applying external inflatable cuffs to the lower extremities to increase blood flow during diastole, followed by deflation during systole. Although EECP is approved for treatment in patients with refractory angina due to obstructive coronary artery disease, its effectiveness in treating patients with ANOCA with refractory angina is limited to small studies. We assessed the efficacy of EECP treatment in patients with ANOCA (defined as ≤50% stenosis in any major epicardial vessels) with refractory anginaby measuring changes in Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) angina class, 6-minute walk test, Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), Seattle Angina Questionnaire 7 (SAQ7), and weekly anginal episodes pre-EECP and post-EECP treatment. A total of 101 patients with ANOCA with CCS class III/IV angina completed a full course of EECP treatment at 2 large EECP centers. In 101 patients with ANOCA the mean age (SD) of 60.6 (11.3) years and 62.4% of the cohort were women. We found significant improvements post-EECP treatment in CCS angina class (mean (SD) 3.4 (0.5) to 2.4 (2.9), p <0.001), 6-minute walk test (median 1200 (IQR 972 to 1411) to 1358 (1170 to 1600), p <0.001), DASI (mean (SD) 15.2 (11.6) to 31.5 (16.3), p <0.001), SAQ7 (mean (DS) 36.2 (24.7) to 31.5 (16.3), p <0.001), and weekly anginal episodes (mean (SD) 5.3 (3.5) to 2.4 (2.9), p <0.001). After EECP treatment, 71 patients (70.3%) had an improvement of ≥1 CCS angina class, including 33 (32.7%) patients improving by ≥2 CCS classes. In conclusion, in patients with ANOCA, EECP therapy reduces CCS angina class and improves exercise tolerance and capacity; and should be considered a part of optimal medical therapy.

Coronary Sinus Narrowing Improves Coronary Microcirculation Function in Patients With Refractory Angina: A Multicenter Prospective INROAD Study

BACKGROUND

The underlying mechanisms responsible for the clinical benefits following coronary sinus narrowing and pressure elevation remain unclear. The present study aims to investigate whether coronary sinus narrowing improves the indexes of coronary microcirculatory function.

METHODS

Patients with refractory angina who had a clinical indication for reducer implantation underwent invasive physiological assessments before and 4 months after the procedure. The primary outcome was the change in the values of the index of microcirculatory resistance. Secondary end points included changes in coronary flow reserve and the resistive resistance ratio values. Angina status was assessed with the Canadian Cardiology Society class and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Twenty-four patients with a history of obstructive coronary artery disease and prior coronary revascularization (surgical and percutaneous) treated with reducer implantation were enrolled, and 21 of them (87%) underwent repeated invasive coronary physiological assessment after 4 months. The index of microcirculatory resistance values decreased from 33.35±19.88 at baseline to 15.42±11.36 at 4-month follow-up (P<0.001; mean difference, -17.90 [95% CI, -26.16 to -9.64]). A significant (≥20% from baseline) reduction of the index of microcirculatory resistance was observed in 15 (71.4% [95% CI, 47.8%-88.7%]) patients. The number of patients with abnormal index of microcirculatory resistance (≥25) decreased from 12 (57%) to 4 (19%; P=0.016). Coronary flow reserve increased from 2.46±1.52 to 4.20±2.52 (mean difference, 1.73 [95% CI, 0.51-2.96]). Similar findings were observed for resistive resistance ratio values. Overall, 16 patients (76.1%) had an improvement of 1 Canadian Cardiology Society class. Seattle Angina Questionnaire summary score increase of around 3 points (3.01 [95% CI, 1.39-4.61]).

CONCLUSIONS

Coronary sinus reduction implantation is associated with a significant improvement in the parameters of coronary microcirculatory function. These findings provide insights into the improvement of angina symptoms and may have implications for the treatment of coronary microvascular dysfunction.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT05174572.

Nonpharmacological interventions for 'no-option' refractory angina patients

Refractory angina pectoris (RAP) defined as chronic anginal chest pain because of coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major problem. The increase in the number of patients with RAP in recent years is because of the increasing aging population and improved survival rates among patients with CAD. Management of patients with RAP is often extremely challenging. In this review, we present several interventional approaches for RAP, including device therapies, lifestyle intervention, and cell therapies. Some of these treatments are currently used in the management of RAP, whereas other treatments are under investigation.

EXACT Trial: Results of the Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study

BACKGROUND

New therapies are needed for patients with refractory angina. Encoberminogene rezmadenovec (XC001), a novel adenoviral-5 vector coding for all 3 major isoforms of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), demonstrated enhanced local angiogenesis in preclinical models; however, the maximal tolerated dose and safety of direct epicardial administration remain unknown.

METHODS

In the phase 1 portion of this multicenter, open-label, single-arm, dose-escalation study, patients with refractory angina received increasing doses of encoberminogene rezmadenovec (1×109, 1×1010, 4×1010, and 1×1011 viral particles) to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy. Patients had class II to IV angina on maximally tolerated medical therapy, demonstrable ischemia on stress testing, and were angina-limited on exercise treadmill testing. Patients underwent minithoracotomy with epicardial delivery of 15 0.1-mL injections of encoberminogene rezmadenovec. The primary outcome was safety via adverse event monitoring over 6 months. Efficacy assessments included difference from baseline to months 3, 6 (primary), and 12 in total exercise duration, myocardial perfusion deficit using positron emission tomography, angina class, angina frequency, and quality of life.

RESULTS

From June 2, 2020 to June 25, 2021, 12 patients were enrolled into 4 dosing cohorts with 1×1011 viral particle as the highest planned dose. Seventeen serious adverse events were reported in 7 patients; none were related to study drug. Six serious adverse events in 4 patients were related to the thoracotomy, 3 non-serious adverse events were possibly related to study drug. The 2 lowest doses did not demonstrate improvements in total exercise duration, myocardial perfusion deficit, or angina frequency; however, there appeared to be improvements in all parameters with the 2 higher doses.

CONCLUSIONS

Epicardial delivery of encoberminogene rezmadenovec via minithoracotomy is feasible, and up to 1×1011 viral particle appears well tolerated. A dose response was observed across 4 dosing cohorts in total exercise duration, myocardial perfusion deficit, and angina class. The highest dose (1×1011 viral particle) was carried forward into phase 2.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov; Unique identifier: NCT04125732.

INOCA/ANOCA: Mechanisms and novel treatments

Angina or ischemia with no obstructive coronary disease (ANOCA/INOCA) is a common but under-treated condition due to poorly understood pathophysiologic mechanisms, limited diagnostic tools, and lack of proven targeted therapy. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) occurs when the microvasculature inadequately perfuses the myocardium under stress, or at rest in the case of microvascular spasm resulting in ANOCA/INOCA. Coronary functional angiography (CFA) measures endothelial independent microvascular dysfunction (coronary flow reduction <2.5) in response to adenosine and endothelial dependent microvascular dysfunction (lack of dilation and/or constriction) to acetylcholine testing as well as epicardial and microvascular spasm. Current treatment for coronary microvascular dysfunction is limited to renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors and statins as well as antianginal medications. Novel therapies targeting the underlying pathology are under development and include the coronary sinus reducer, CD34+ stem cell therapy, and novel pharmacologic agents such as sGC stimulators or endothelin-receptor blockers. We review the current understanding of pathophysiology, diagnostic tools, and novel therapies for coronary microvascular dysfunction in ANOCA/INOCA.

Proangiogenic Growth Factor Therapy for the Treatment of Refractory Angina: A Meta-analysis

Background

Refractory angina (RFA; limiting angina despite optimal medical therapy) is a growing, global problem, with limited treatment options. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of proangiogenic growth factor therapy (in the form of vascular growth factors delivered either as recombinant proteins or gene therapy) in patients with RFA ineligible for revascularization.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis (PROSPERO: CRD42018107283) of RCTs as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov and Google Scholar databases, as well as scientific session abstracts, were performed. The pooled outcomes included major adverse cardiac events (MACE), mortality, myocardial perfusion, and indices of angina severity (Canadian Cardiovascular Society angina class [CCS] and exercise tolerance). A prespecified subgroup analysis was performed for delivery method, vector, and protein type. The standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) was calculated to assess relevant outcomes. We assessed heterogeneity using the χ2 and I2 tests.

Results

We included 16 RCTs involving 1607 patients (1052 received proangiogenic growth factor therapy and 555 received a placebo or optimal medical therapy). Our analysis showed a significant decreased risk of MACE (OR, 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.93) and significantly improved CCS class (SMD, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.10 to 0.00), but not mortality (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.28-1.54) or exercise tolerance (SMD, 0.47; 95% CI, -0.14 to 1.09), in treated patients compared to those in the control group.

Conclusions

Proangiogenic growth factor therapy is a promising treatment option for RFA, with beneficial effects seen on MACE and CCS class. The results of ongoing trials are needed before it can be considered for clinical practice.

Neuromodulation in patients with refractory angina pectoris: a review

The number of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who have persisting angina pectoris despite optimal medical treatment known as refractory angina pectoris (RAP) is growing. Current estimates indicate that 5-10% of patients with stable CAD have RAP. In absolute numbers, there are 50 000-100 000 new cases of RAP each year in the USA and 30 000-50 000 new cases each year in Europe. The term RAP was formulated in 2002. RAP is defined as a chronic disease (more than 3 months) characterized by diffuse CAD in the presence of proven ischaemia which is not amendable to a combination of medical therapy, angioplasty, or coronary bypass surgery. There are currently few treatment options for patients with RAP. One such last-resort treatment option is spinal cord stimulation (SCS) with a Class of recommendation IIB, level of evidence B in the 2019 European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes. The aim of this review is to give an overview of neuromodulation as treatment modality for patients with RAP. A comprehensive overview is given on the history, proposed mechanism of action, safety, efficacy, and current use of SCS.

Contemporary Management of Refractory Angina

Refractory angina (RA) is defined as chest pain caused by coronary ischemia in patients on maximal medical therapy and is not amenable to revascularization despite advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). The long-term prognosis has improved with optimal medical therapy including risk factor modification. Still, patients are left with major impairment in quality of life and have high resource utilization with limited treatment options. We review the novel invasive and noninvasive therapies under investigation for RA.

Epicardial delivery of XC001 gene therapy for refractory angina coronary treatment (The EXACT Trial): Rationale, design, and clinical considerations

BACKGROUND

Patients with refractory angina (RA) have poor quality of life and new therapies are needed. XC001 is a novel adenoviral vector expressing multiple isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promoting an enhanced local angiogenic effect.

METHODS

The Epicardial Delivery of XC001 Gene Therapy for Refractory Angina Coronary Treatment (EXACT) trial is a 6-month (with 6-month extension) phase 1/2, first-in-human, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of XC001 in patients with RA. The trial will enroll 33 patients in an initial (n = 12) ascending dose-escalation phase (1 × 10⁹, 1 × 10¹⁰, 4 × 10¹⁰, and 1 × 10¹¹ viral particles), followed by phase 2 (n = 21) assessing the highest tolerated dose. Patients must have stable Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) class II-IV angina on maximally tolerated medical therapy without options for conventional revascularization, demonstrable ischemia on stress testing, and angina limiting exercise tolerance. XC001 will be delivered directly to ischemic myocardium via surgical transthoracic epicardial access. The primary outcome is safety via adverse event monitoring through 6 months. Efficacy assessments include difference from baseline to month 6 in time to 1 mm of ST segment depression, time to angina, and total exercise duration; myocardial blood flow at rest, and stress and coronary flow reserve by positron emission tomography; quality of life; CCS functional class; and angina frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

The EXACT trial will determine whether direct intramyocardial administration of XC001 in patients with RA is safe and evaluate its effect on exercise tolerance, myocardial perfusion, angina and physical activity, informing future clinical investigation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04125732.

Long-term safety and efficacy of intramyocardial adenovirus-mediated VEGF-DΔNΔC gene therapy eight-year follow-up of phase I KAT301 study

In phase I KAT301 trial, intramyocardial adenovirus-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor -D^ΔNΔC (AdVEGF-D) gene therapy (GT) resulted in a significant improvement in myocardial perfusion reserve and relieved symptoms in refractory angina patients at 1-year follow-up without major safety concerns. We investigated the long-term safety and efficacy of AdVEGF-D GT. 30 patients (24 in VEGF-D group and 6 blinded, randomized controls) were followed for 8.2 years (range 6.3–10.4 years). Patients were interviewed for the current severity of symptoms (Canadian Cardiovascular Society class, CCS) and perceived benefit from GT. Medical records were reviewed to assess the incidence of major cardiovascular adverse event (MACE) and other predefined safety endpoints. MACE occurred in 15 patients in VEGF-D group and in five patients in control group (21.5 vs. 24.9 per 100 patient-years; hazard ratio 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.36–2.63; P = 0.95). Mortality and new-onset comorbidity were similar between the groups. Angina symptoms (CCS) were less severe compared to baseline in VEGF-D group (1.9 vs. 2.9; P = 0.006) but not in control group (2.2 vs. 2.6; P = 0.414). Our study indicates that intramyocardial AdVEGF-D GT is safe in the long-term. In addition, the relief of symptoms remained significant during the follow-up.

Son of a Lesser God: The Case of Cell Therapy for Refractory Angina

In the last decades, various non-pharmacological solutions have been tested on top of medical therapy for the treatment of patients affected by refractory angina (RA). Among these therapeutics, neuromodulation, external counter-pulsation and coronary sinus constriction have been recently introduced in the guidelines for the management of RA in United States and Europe. Notably and paradoxically, although a consistent body of evidence has proposed cell-based therapies (CT) as safe and salutary for RA outcome, CT has not been conversely incorporated into current international guidelines yet. As a matter of fact, published randomized controlled trials (RCT) and meta-analyses (MTA) cumulatively indicated that CT can effectively increase perfusion, physical function and well-being, thus reducing angina symptoms and drug assumption in RA patients. In this review, we (i) provide an updated overview of novel non-pharmacological therapeutics included in current guidelines for the management of patients with RA, (ii) discuss the Level of Evidence stemmed from available clinical trials for each recommended treatment, and (iii) focus on evidence-based CT application for the management of RA.

Cardiac Shock Wave Therapy Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia in Patients With Chronic Refractory Angina Pectoris: A Randomized Trial

Background: Cardiac shock wave therapy (CSWT) is a non-invasive new option for the treatment of chronic refractory angina pectoris (CRAP). This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of CSWT in the treatment of CRAP. Methods: Eighty-seven patients with CRAP were randomly allocated into CWST group (n = 46) and Control group (n = 41). Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) grade of angina pectoris, Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) score, 6-min walk test (6MWT), weekly dosage of nitroglycerin, and myocardial perfusion on D-SPECT were determined at baseline and during the follow-up period. Adverse events were also evaluated. Results: CSWT was well-tolerated in the CSWT patients. CSWT significantly improved the CCS grade, SAQ score, and 6MWT (p < 0.05). Imaging examinations showed that the ischemic area was reduced after CSWT. However, no significant changes were observed in the Control group. Conclusions: CSWT may improve the myocardial perfusion and reduce clinical symptoms without increasing adverse effects in CRAP patients. It provides a non-invasive and safe clinical therapy for CRAP patients. Clinical Trial registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT03398096.

Stem Cells in Cardiovascular Diseases: 30,000-Foot View

Stem cell and regenerative approaches that might rejuvenate the heart have immense intuitive appeal for the public and scientific communities. Hopes were fueled by initial findings from preclinical models that suggested that easily obtained bone marrow cells might have significant reparative capabilities; however, after initial encouraging pre-clinical and early clinical findings, the realities of clinical development have placed a damper on the field. Clinical trials were often designed to detect exceptionally large treatment effects with modest patient numbers with subsequent disappointing results. First generation approaches were likely overly simplistic and relied on a relatively primitive understanding of regenerative mechanisms and capabilities. Nonetheless, the field continues to move forward and novel cell derivatives, platforms, and cell/device combinations, coupled with a better understanding of the mechanisms that lead to regenerative capabilities in more primitive models and modifications in clinical trial design suggest a brighter future.