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PDT combined with intravitreal bevacizumab shows short-term efficacy in AMD patients
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Verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab appears safe and effective for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration in the short term, according to a prospective study by researchers in Germany. However, "further evaluation of this treatment strategy for neovascular AMD appears warranted," the authors noted.
Markus S. Ladewig, MD, and colleagues at the University of Bonn evaluated short-term outcomes of performing PDT with Visudyne (verteporfin, Novartis/QLT) immediately followed by a 1.5 mg injection of intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech). The study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with CNV secondary to AMD.
Investigators found that visual acuity increased by an average of 3 letters after 4 weeks and 4.3 letters after 12 weeks, according to the study.
Central retinal thickness significantly decreased from baseline by 145 µm at 1 week follow-up, by 205 µm at 4 weeks and by 171 µm at 12 weeks (P < .0001), according to the study.
By 12 weeks, all eyes showed resolution of leakage on fluorescein angiography.
Investigators observed no significant ocular or systemic side effects, although one patient experienced transient, moderate vision loss 4 weeks after treatment, the authors reported.
The study is published in the January issue of Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.