Effect of Evolocumab on Coronary Atherosclerosis

Overview

This study will quantify changes in coronary plaque volumes and plaque composition in patients treated with evolocumab. Previous intravascular ultrasound studies have shown that treatment with a lipid-lowering PCSK9 enzyme inhibitor, such as evolocumab, to be associated with a reduction of the fatty deposits that cause plaque in the arteries, however, it is not known how evolocumab affects specific coronary plaque types and plaque inflammation. Investigators will use quantitative assessment of non-invasive coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and positron emission tomography (PET)imaging to evaluate functional changes in plaque burden, plaque composition and vascular inflammation before and after treatment with evolocumab. Investigators propose to show that patients treated with evolocumab in combination with statins demonstrate a greater reduction of coronary non-calcified plaque volume, thereby reducing the number of future cardiac events.

To evaluate the effect of evolocumab, patients who are taking Evolocumab plus another cholesterol-lowering medication (e.g statins), will undergo diagnostic testing including non-invasive coronary CT angiographic (CCTA) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The CCTA and PET scans will be done before and after being treated with evolocumab. At the initial visit, standard imaging eligibility screening will take place, as well as blood sampling to test cholesterol levels and presence of proteins (biomarkers) associated with heart disease. A CCTA will be done (if not done for clinical purposes within the past 90 days) and a PET scan with administration of 18F-NaF injection will take place. Patients will receive the first injection of evolocumab and will be taught how to self-inject once or twice a month for 18 months. After the initial visit, patients will self-inject evolocumab at approximately 6, 12 and 18 months in front of a medical professional for site monitoring and re-training. Labs will be drawn to assess blood components related to heart disease. Follow-up phone calls will be made at approximately 1,3, 9, 15 months and approximately 3-7 days after their final on-site visit (18 months) to monitor safety and drug adherence. The final visit (18 months after the initial visit) will involve another PET scan, CCTA and blood collection for biomarker testing.