Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Treatment for Radiation Retinopathy After Plaque Radiotherapy

Abstract

Purpose: : To evaluate the visual and anatomic results of intravitreal bevacizumab injection in patients with radiation retinopathy.

Methods: : Consecutive interventional case series of six patients with radiation retinopathy. Primary outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) at 12 months. Qualitative fluorescein angiography findings were also described.

Results: : Six eyes of 6 patients received an average of 6 injections of bevacizumab. Mean BCVA (logMar) at baseline and 12 months was 0.84 and 0.80, respectively (P=0.59). The mean CFT changed from 505µm at baseline to 374µm at 12 months (P=0.12). FA at baseline included angiographic macular edema in 6 eyes, macular ischemia in 3 eyes, macular arteritis in 2 eyes and papillitis in 1 eye. At 12 months the macular arteritis had improved but no change was noted in the remaining baseline FA features.

Conclusions: : In our small series intravitreal bevacizumab did not result in significant visual acuity and anatomic improvement for patients with radiation retinopathy. Large controlled prospective studies are necessary to validate this findings.

Keywords: tumors • radiation therapy • vascular endothelial growth factor