Lack of Efficacy for Doxycycline in Stunting Aneurysm Growth

Contrary to evidence from preclinical studies, doxycycline failed to decrease growth of small AAAs in an aborted randomized trial.

Doxycycline has been shown to inhibit the formation and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in animal studies and several preliminary clinical studies. To assess doxycycline's efficacy for reducing AAA growth in humans, investigators randomized 286 patients with small AAAs (mean baseline diameter, 45 mm) treated at 14 hospitals in the Netherlands to receive doxycycline (100 mg) or placebo daily for 18 months.

Based on results of an interim analysis, the trial was stopped prematurely for futility. At trial cessation, ≥1-year follow-up data were available for all patients. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the two patient groups were similar (mean age, 70; approximately 80% men; statin use, 67%).

Aneurysm growth at 18 mon…

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Lack of Efficacy for Doxycycline in Stunting Aneurysm Growth

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Reviewing Author