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Episcleral brachytherapy may present minimally invasive treatment option for AMD
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 Reid Schindler |
WAILEA, Hawaii — Episcleral brachytherapy safely treated choroidal neovascularization in a phase 1 clinical study, the trial's lead investigator said here.
Reid Schindler, MD, presented results at Retina 2012 from a 90-day study of six patients with classic or occult neovascular lesions who were treated with non-invasive episcleral brachytherapy. In episcleral brachytherapy, using indirect ophthalmoscopy to view the macula, the surgeon places a transilluminated probe behind the posterior sclera and applies 24 Gy of radiation.
"The device can be placed and brachytherapy dose delivered with ease and minimal subject discomfort," Dr. Schindler said. "The transillumination light allows for identification of the anatomy and precise localization directly over the lesion."
In the study, treatment also included standard anti-VEGF injections as induction, with additional injections as needed.
There were no reported serious adverse events or unanticipated adverse events, Dr. Schindler said.
The potential advantages of episcleral brachytherapy are that it is minimally invasive, can be administered in the office, delivers consistent radiation dosimetry, offers a minimized risk of radiation retinopathy, and may result in a decrease in treatment burden.
The episcleral brachytherapy device is being developed by Salutaris Medical Devices.
- Financial disclosure: Dr. Schindler is a member of the scientific advisory board for SalutarisMD, with an associated minor equity position in the company.
Hawaiian Eye and Retina 2013 will be held January 20-25, 2013, at the Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii's Big Island. Learn more at OSNHawaiianEye.com or RetinaMeeting.com.