De-escalation strategies in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a step towards precision medicine

IntroductionDual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) with aspirin and a P2Y(12) inhibitor is a cornerstone in the treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Current international guidelines recommend the use of 12 months of DAPT with newer P2Y(12) inhibitors (i.e. ticagrelor or prasugrel) as first-line therapy in this setting. However, intense and prolonged DAPT regimens are associated with an increased risk of bleeding, with relevant prognostic implications. Recently, a strategy of de-escalation of P2Y(12) inhibitors has been proposed as an alternative to conventional DAPT to mitigate the risk of bleeding while preserving ischemic protection after ACS.Areas coveredIn this review, we summarize the available evidence on guided and unguided strategies for P2Y(12) inhibitor de-escalation in patients with ACS undergoing PCI.Expert OpinionAmong patients with ACS, guided and unguided de-escalation strategies are safe and effective for secondary cardiovascular prevention. Although the implementation of genetic and platelet function tests is of interest for treatment personalization, the routine use of guided de-escalation strategies seems impractical. In this context, unguided de-escalation approaches appear more attractive, convenient, and suitable for contemporary practice.