Evaluating blood biomarkers in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

The VANGAS-Trial. The Value of Neurofilament Light Chain and Glial Fibrillary Acid Protein in the Blood of Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf · NCT06211725

This study is testing if certain blood markers can help identify older patients with narrowed carotid arteries who might be at risk for stroke and need further treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorHeinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf (other)
Locations2 sites (Düsseldorf, NRW and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06211725 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the value of neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acid protein as potential biomarkers in the blood of patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The study focuses on understanding the risk factors associated with stroke in these patients and determining whether these biomarkers can help identify those who may require revascularization. By analyzing blood samples from participants aged 60 to 80 with varying degrees of stenosis, the study seeks to clarify the role of these biomarkers in stroke prevention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 60 to 80 with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Not a fit: Patients with neurodegenerative diseases, recent strokes, or transient ischemic attacks may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved identification of patients at risk for stroke, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of blood biomarkers in stroke risk assessment is a growing field, this specific approach is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 60- 80 years
* 0-100 % stenosis of the internal carotid artery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neurodegenerative diseases such as any form of dementia or Parkinson\'s disease
* Polyneuropathy
* Multiple sclerosis
* Stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) within the last 12 months
* Transient ischaemic attack within the last 12 months
* Neurotrauma within the last 12 months
* Atrial fibrillation

Where this trial is running

Düsseldorf, NRW and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Carotid Artery Stenosis, Carotid Artery Stenosis Asymptomatic, Carotid Artery Diseases, Carotid Artery Plaque, Carotid Artery Disease, Carotid Artery Stenosis asymptomatic, Carotid artery stenosis biomarker, carotid artery nfl

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.