Trial Information

Tetracycline-Derivatives for Treatment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations and Aneurysms

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a treatable cause of stroke in young adults. The
processes by which AVMs and giant aneurysms grow in size and spontaneously bleed are
unknown. The primary reason to treat AVMs and aneurysms is to guard against intracranial
bleeding.

This pilot study will examine the use of two common antibiotics—minocycline and
doxycycline—as medical therapy for inoperable or partially treated AVMs and giant aneurysms.
These drugs, which are tetracycline derivatives, can reduce the levels of a family of
enzymes, called matrix metalloproteases, that degrade tissue and thereby cause a reduction
in the risk of spontaneous bleeding from AVMs or aneurysm—which is the main cause of stroke
associated with these disorders. The enzymes can contribute to weaknesses in the wall of
blood vessels and may increase the risk of the vessel wall rupturing and causing spontaneous
bleeding.

This trial also will show that taking minocycline and doxycycline over an extended period in
this patient population is safe and well tolerated. Results from this study could help plan
future studies to benefit patients with abnormal blood vessels prone to bleeding in their
brains.