The Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events (CURE) study: To what extent should the results be generalizable?

The Clopidogrel in Unstable Angina to Prevent Recurrent Events (CURE) study investigated the use of clopidogrel in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. Clopidogrel treatment led to an impressive 20% relative risk reduction in the composite outcome measure of vascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Increased bleeding and greater requirements for blood transfusions were seen with clopidogrel. The addition of clopidogrel to aspirin represents a major advance in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes. (Am Heart J 2003;145:595-601.)