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Early BCVA response may predict long-term outcomes of anti-VEGF treatment for DME
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LAS VEGAS — Best corrected visual acuity response after three anti-VEGF injections at 12 weeks may be a strong predictor of long-term best corrected visual acuity response in patients with diabetic macular edema, according to a presentation here.
In an assessment of Protocol I data from the DRCR.net, Pravin U. Dugel, MD, presented long-term treatment outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema at the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meeting.
Pravin U. Dugel
“Here are the two key take home points: this is the first analysis to demonstrate how long-term response to anti-VEGF therapy in DME can be predicted after three injections, and additional therapies with alternate routes of action may be considered in inadequately responding DME patients after three injections,” Dugel said.
The analysis was divided into three cohorts based on observed best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) responses at 12 weeks — a gain of less than five letters, a gain of between five and nine letters and a gain of greater than or equal to 10 letters.
The unadjusted differences in mean BCVA change from baseline was +0.3, +6.9 and +15.2 at 12 weeks, respectively, and +3.0, +8.2 and +13.8 at 3 years, respectively.
There was a significant correlation between BCVA gain at week 12 and years 1 and 3 (P < .001).
Eyes categorized by early BCVA response differed in three baseline characteristics: older age, better vision and thinner retinas. — by Kristie L. Kahl
Reference:
Dugel PU. Long-term response to anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic macular edema can be predicted after three injections: an analysis of Protocol I data. Presented at: The Academy of Ophthalmology. Nov. 13, 2015; Las Vegas.
Disclosure: Dugel reports he is a consultant for Abbott Medical Optics, Acucela, Alcon Laboratories, Alimera Sciences, Allergan, Genentech, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Ophthotech, Ora, Regeneron and Thrombogenics; and has equity ownership in Alimera Sciences, DigiSight and Ophthotec.