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Inhibition of VEGF may be beneficial for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

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NEW YORK — Primary monotherapy with a single dose of an anti-VEGF agent halts neovascular plus disease in patients with retinopathy of prematurity, according to a speaker here at Retina Congress 2009.

Twelve-month data showed the therapy to be safe and effective therapy in a series of 27 patients with advanced rush disease. No patients in the study required additional intervention, including laser, surgery or additional injection.

According to Alay S. Banker, MD, the use of an injectable agent as primary therapy also obviates risks associated with traditional laser therapy. "No eye developed any ocular-associated complications. In all cases, ERG and VEP were normal," Dr. Banker said.

"We believe that the anti-VEGF halts neovascularization and is particularly useful in rigid pupils and severe rush disease. It might also prevent further long-term complications of laser. Most importantly, because of the pathogenesis of ROP disease, repeat injection is less likely in babies," Dr. Banker said.