Tailoring antiplatelet therapy: a step toward individualized therapy to improve clinical outcome?

Abstract

P2Y12 adenosine di-phosphate (ADP) receptor antagonists are critical to reduce thrombotic recurrences in acute coronary syndromes patients and for those undergoing percutaneous coronary revascularization. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the level of on-treatment platelet reactivity inhibition with P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonists correlates with thrombotic recurrences. Recent studies observed a relationship between excessive platelet reactivity inhibition and bleedings. Together these data support the potential of platelet reactivity measurement to prevent thrombotic events without increasing bleeding. In the present review we aimed to summarize evidences of a therapeutic window for P2Y12-ADP receptor antagonists and the potential of platelet reactivity monitoring and individualized antiplatelet therapy to optimize the clinical outcome in patients suffering from an acute coronary syndrome or undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.