-
The British Journal of Ophthalmology Sep 2006Until recently, only two options were available for the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) associated with age related macular degeneration (AMD)-thermal...
BACKGROUND
Until recently, only two options were available for the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) associated with age related macular degeneration (AMD)-thermal laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT-V). However, new treatments for CNV are in development, and data from phase III clinical trials of some of these pharmacological interventions are now available. In light of these new data, expert guidance is required to enable retina specialists with expertise in the management of AMD to select and use the most appropriate therapies for the treatment of neovascular AMD.
METHODS
Consensus from a round table of European retina specialists was obtained based on best available scientific data. Data rated at evidence levels 1 and 2 were evaluated for laser photocoagulation, PDT-V, pegaptanib sodium, and ranibizumab. Other treatments discussed are anecortave acetate, triamcinolone acetonide, bevacizumab, rostaporfin (SnET2), squalamine, and transpupillary thermotherapy.
RESULTS
PDT-V is currently recommended for subfoveal lesions with predominantly classic CNV, or with occult with no classic CNV with evidence of recent disease progression and a lesion size
CONCLUSIONS
These recommendations provide evidence based guidance for the choice and use of non-surgical therapies for the management of neovascular AMD. Revisions of the recommendations may be required as new data become available.
Topics: Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Aptamers, Nucleotide; Choroidal Neovascularization; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Macular Degeneration; Photochemotherapy; Pregnadienediols; Ranibizumab; Treatment Outcome; Triamcinolone Acetonide
PubMed: 16929063
DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2005.082255