Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine if a pan VEGF-A inhibitor (Avastin/Lucentis) can enhance the efficacy of maintenance therapy with a VEGF-165 inhibitor (Macugen) in order to maximize safety without compromising efficacy in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration.
Methods: :
Patients with exudative age related macular degeneration who were treated initially with at least two injections of Macugen followed by at least 1 injection of Avastin or Lucentis then continued on at least 3 Macugen injections were identified from the records of two retina only private practices. Main outcome measure is lines of Snellen visual acuity gained or lost. Secondary outcome measures included number of Avastin or Lucentis injections used, mean visual acuity, and OCT central retina thickness.
Results: :
179 eyes were identified. 88/179 (49%) eyes received Avastin only for enhancement, 58/179 (32%) were treated with Lucentis only and 33/179(18%) of eyes received both Avastin and Lucentis. 59/179 (33%) eyes gained more than 3 lines of vision, 155/179 (87%) eyes did not lose any lines of vision and 170/179 eyes did not lose more than 3 lines of vision. Average follow-up was 7.5 months.
Keywords: age-related macular degeneration