Advances in Reperfusion Therapy and Cytoprotection for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide, and approximately 87% of cases are acute ischemic stroke (AIS). For patients with AIS, rapid administration of reperfusion therapy within the therapeutic time window remains the most effective treatment strategy. Over the past decade, numerous high-quality clinical trials have driven rapid advances in treatment strategies. Meanwhile, increasing attention has been directed toward cytoprotective therapies aimed at mitigating ischemic and reperfusion-related brain injury, which may act synergistically with reperfusion strategies. Although many related clinical trials have failed to demonstrate clear clinical benefit, they have provided valuable insights for the development of future cytoprotective agents. This review focuses on recent advances and remaining challenges in reperfusion therapy and cytoprotection for AIS.