The effect of Colchicine on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Stroke Study (The CASPER Study)

This study is exploring whether a common anti-inflammatory medication called colchicine — already used for gout and other conditions — can help prevent future heart attacks and strokes in people who have recently had a stroke. Researchers believe that ongoing inflammation in the body plays a key role in causing strokes to recur, and colchicine's ability to calm that inflammation may offer protection. The CASPER study is testing a low daily dose of colchicine (0.5mg) on top of standard stroke medications. To be eligible, participants must have had an ischemic stroke or a TIA (mini-stroke) within the past year, have only mild disability, and show a blood marker indicating their body still has elevated inflammation. The treatment is taken as a once-daily tablet, and the trial follows participants over time to measure whether they have fewer cardiovascular events compared to those not taking colchicine. Colchicine is inexpensive, widely available, and has a well-established safety record. This trial could open the door to a simple, affordable way to protect stroke survivors from suffering another event. You may be eligible if you are 18 or older, have had a recent ischemic stroke or TIA with evidence of inflammation in your blood, and do not have severe kidney or liver problems.