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Multicenter Latin American study demonstrates efficacy of Avastin in AMD
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CANCUN, Mexico — Three injections of bevacizumab appear to be the best treatment regimen for maintaining vision in patients who have age-related macular degeneration, according to a retina specialist speaking here.
During subspecialty day at the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology meeting, Jans F. Guerra, MD, reported the 12-month anatomic and visual acuity data from a retrospective, interventional study conducted by the Pan-American Collaborative Retina Study Group.
The study included 63 eyes of 60 consecutive patients treated at seven centers in seven countries. Patients averaged 73 years of age and follow-up averaged 55 weeks.
All eyes received at least one injection of bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech), with 60% of patients treated with 1.25 mg injections and 40% treated with 2.5 mg injections, Dr. Guerra said. Almost 90% of patients had received no previous therapy, he added.
At 12 months, investigators found that 10% of patients required only one injection, 30% required two injections and 24% required five or more injections, Dr. Guerra said.
Also at 12 months follow-up, visual acuity averaged 20/200, but the visual acuity data showed a continuous improvement, he noted.
"These outcomes lead us to realize that Avastin offers good visual outcomes in these patients and that three injections are necessary to maintain those benefits," Dr. Guerra said.