Prevention of recurrent pterygium with topical bevacizumab 0.05% eye drops: a randomized controlled trial

Low Rate of Postoperative Pterygium Recurrence in Patients under Treatment with Low-Dose Oral Doxycycline for Chronic Blepharitis: A First Report

PURPOSE

Low doses of systemic doxycycline (LD-SD) inhibit angiogenesis and the expression of matrix metalloproteases, which are determinants of pterygium progression. This study aimed to compare the recurrence rate and visual outcome of pterygium excision in patients undergoing chronic treatment with LD-SD for chronic refractory blepharitis and LD-SD-naive patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients that underwent surgical excision and conjunctival graft apposition was conducted. Patients were divided in a TETRA group (under LD-SD treatment at the moment of surgery) and a control group. The main outcome was the rate of recurrence at 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the comparisons of surface regularity, visual quality, and dry-eye symptoms at 6-week, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up in the two groups.

RESULTS

The TETRA group showed a significantly lower rate of 1-year recurrence both in primary (p = 0.034) and recurrent (p < 0.001) pterygia. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), astigmatic error, corneal total root mean square (RMS), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) significantly reduced during the follow-up in both groups. The surface asymmetry index and high-order aberrations (HOAs) significantly reduced only in the TETRA group. The final BCVA was significantly higher, while the OSDI score and total RMS and HOAs were significantly lower in the TETRA group compared to the control.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients under treatment with LD-SD showed a lower rate of recurrence at 1-year follow-up compared to controls. These patients also experienced higher BCVA and surface regularity and less dry-eye symptoms.

Efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents in the treatment of primary pterygium

Purpose

To further evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in management of primary pterygium.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to September 2022. Recurrences and complications were evaluated as the pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using random-effects model.

Results

In total of 1,096 eyes in 19 RCTs were included. Anti-VEGF agents statistically decreased recurrence rate of pterygium following surgery (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31-0.74, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that anti-VEGF as an adjunct to bare sclera (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.90, P = 0.03) and conjunctival autograft (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.26-0.96, P = 0.04) statistically reduced recurrence rate, while the effect was not favorable for conjunctivo-limbo autograft (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.36-2.68, P = 0.98). Anti-VEGF agents statistically decreased recurrence in White patients (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.28-0.83, P = 0.008), while didn't in Yellow patients (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.12-1.47, P = 0.18). Both topical (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.45, P < 0.001) and subconjunctival anti-VEGF agents (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.45-0.91, P = 0.01) had a positive influence on recurrence. There was no statistically significant difference in complications between the groups (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.52-1.22, P = 0.29).

Conclusions

As adjuvant treatment, anti-VEGF agents statistically reduced the recurrence following pterygium surgery, especially among White patients. Anti-VEGF agents were well tolerated without increased complications.

Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Different Pterygium Surgeries: A Review of the Literature

The search for the "gold standard" in the surgical treatment of pterygium has been ongoing for over two decades. Despite the development of various surgical techniques, recurrence rates range from 6.7% to 88% depending on the method used. This review discusses the latest and most commonly used methods for the surgical removal of pterygium, primarily focusing on efficacy and safety. Moreover, this review includes articles that either evaluated or compared surgical methods and clinical trials for primary and recurrent pterygium. Limited data are available on combined methods as well as on the efficacy of adjuvant treatment. The use of adjuvant intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) and conjunctival autografting (CAU) are the two most highly recommended options, as they have the lowest rates of postoperative recurrence.

Effect of a Topical Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (0.1% Pranoprofen) on VEGF and COX-2 Expression in Primary Pterygium

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (0.1% pranoprofen) on the expression of VEGF and Cox-2 in primary pterygium.

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized study. Between January 2019 and April 2020, 120 patients diagnosed with primary pterygium were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups before operation: 1) 40 patients in group 1 received topical pranoprofen 0.1% four times daily for 4 weeks, 2) 40 patients in group 2 received topical fluorometholone 0.1% four times daily for 4 weeks, and 3) patients in group 3 did not receive treatment. For each group, the age, sex, eye type, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), duration of onset, combined systemic diseases, and the results regarding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclo-oxygen-ase-2 (COX-2) in postoperative pterygial tissues were evaluated in detail.

Results: There were no significant differences regarding age, sex, eye type, combined systemic diseases, duration of onset, IOP, and BCVA within the three groups (p > 0.05). The reduction of VEGF and CoX-2 expression of pterygial vascular endothelial cells in group 1 were statistically significant compared to group 2 and group 3 (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between COX-2 and VEGF expression of pterygial tissues within the three groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The present findings suggested that the topical pranoprofen 0.1% could reduce the expression of VEGF and COX-2 in primary pterygium. We confirmed that treatment with pranoprofen offers advantages in early intervention and has therapeutic potential in reducing the postoperative recurrence of primary pterygium patients.

Clinical Trial registration: The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, Registration Number: ChiCTR2100047726).

Efficacy of bevacizumab in the treatment of pterygium: An updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Recurrence is the most common problem following pterygium surgery. Whether bevacizumab can prevent pterygium recurrence is controversial. To address this point, we carried out a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in the treatment of pterygium. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wan fang databases up to September 20, 2020 for relevant articles. We used the Cochrane assessment tool to evaluate the methodologic quality of the included studies, and calculated the relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of the reported recurrence and complication rates. A total of 17 studies including 1124 patients with 1144 eyes were included in the meta-analysis. The combined results showed that bevacizumab significantly reduced the recurrence rate of pterygium after surgery (RR = 0.652, 95% CI: 0.504-0.845, Z = 3.24, P = 0.001) and was not significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative complications compared to control treatments (RR = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.604-1.145, Z = 1.13, P = 0.259). A subgroup analysis showed that the rate of pterygium recurrence was significantly lower with bevacizumab than in the control group at a dose of 2.5 mg (RR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.91) administered by subconjunctival injection (RR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.39-0.75) after a follow-up time of ≤ 6 months (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88). Thus, bevacizumab can reduce the risk of pterygium recurrence after surgery, and does not differ from placebo or other drug treatments in terms of the risk of complications.

Pterygium: an update on pathophysiology, clinical features, and management

Pterygium is a relatively common ocular surface disease. The clinical aspects and the treatment options have been studied since many years ago, but many uncertainties still exist. The core pathologic pathway and the role of heredity in the development of pterygium are still attractive fields for the researchers. The role of pterygium in corneal irregularities, in addition to the refractive properties of pterygium removal, has been increasingly recognized through numerous studies. The association between pterygium and ocular surface neoplasia is challenging the traditional beliefs regarding the safe profile of the disease. The need for a comprehensive clinical classification system has encouraged homogenization of trials and prediction of the recurrence rate of the pterygium following surgical removal. Evolving surgical methods have been associated with some complications, whose diagnosis and management are necessary for ophthalmic surgeons. According to the review, the main risk factor of pterygium progression remains to be the ultraviolet exposure. A major part of the clinical evaluation should consist of differentiating between typical and atypical pterygia, where the latter may be associated with the risk of ocular surface neoplasia. The effect of pterygium on astigmatism and the aberrations of the cornea may evoke the need for an early removal with a purpose of reducing secondary refractive error. Among the surgical methods, conjunctival or conjunctival-limbal autografting seems to be the first choice for ophthalmic surgeons because the recurrence rate following the procedure has been reported to be lower, compared with other procedures. The use of adjuvant options is supported in the literature, where intraoperative and postoperative mitomycin C has been the adjuvant treatment of choice. The efficacy and safety of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor agents and cyclosporine have been postulated; however, their exact role in the treatment of the pterygium requires further studies.

Recurrent pterygium: A review

Purpose:

To summarize the recent evidence regarding different aspects of pterygium recurrence.

Methods:

Human-based studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were identified using the following keywords: conjunctival disease, pterygium, recurrent pterygium, pterygium recurrence, pterygium management/surgery, conjunctival autograft (CAU), amniotic membrane graft/transplant, and adjuvant therapy (January 2009 to February 2021). We reviewed risk factors associated with the recurrence of pterygium, timing of recurrence, medical treatments to prevent from recurrence, and nonsurgical and surgical alternatives for management of recurrence.

Results:

Dry eye disease, black race, and young age are considered definite risk factors for recurrence. However, fleshy appearance of the pterygium and preoperative size remain controversial. Surgical techniques such as excessive suturing, insufficient conjunctival graft size, thick conjunctival graft with remained Tenon tissue, and postoperative graft retraction are considered possible risk factors for recurrence. Using fibrin glue instead of sutures can further reduce recurrence rates. Although recurrence could occur even after many years, most recurrences happen in the first 3–6 months after surgery. Multiple kinds of adjuvant medications are used before, during, or after the operation including mitomycin C (MMC), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), corticosteroids, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs). Multiple weekly subconjunctival 5-FU injections are shown to be safe and effective in halting the progression of recurrent pterygium. Although topical bevacizumab is found to inhibit the growth of impending recurrent pterygium, the effect is mostly temporary. CAU is superior to amniotic membrane transplantation in the treatment for recurrent pterygia.

Conclusions:

There is yet to be a panacea in treating recurrent pterygium. Currently, there is not a globally accepted recommendation for treating recurrent pterygium with anti-VEGFs or 5-FU as a nonsurgical treatment. We strongly recommend using MMC as an adjunct to surgery in recurrent cases, with consideration of its specific complications. CAU is the most effective surgical treatment for recurrent pterygium, and other new surgical therapies need further investigation.

Limiting angiogenesis to modulate scar formation

Angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation from existing blood vessels, is a key aspect of virtually every repair process. During wound healing an extensive, but immature and leaky vascular plexus forms which is subsequently reduced by regression of non-functional vessels. More recent studies indicate that uncontrolled vessel growth or impaired vessel regression as a consequence of an excessive inflammatory response can impair wound healing, resulting in scarring and dysfunction. However, in order to elucidate targetable factors to promote functional tissue regeneration we need to understand the molecular and cellular underpinnings of physiological angiogenesis, ranging from induction to resolution of blood vessels. Especially for avascular tissues (e.g. cornea, tendon, ligament, cartilage, etc.), limiting rather than boosting vessel growth during wound repair potentially is beneficial to restore full tissue function and may result in favourable long-term healing outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Bevacizumab in the Treatment of Pterygium: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

Studies investigating efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in pterygium have increased and reported controversial results. Thus, we updated this meta-analysis to clarify the issue.

METHODS

Studies were selected through search of the databases Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from their inception up until June 2017. The pooled risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for recurrence and complication rates by using random effects model.

RESULTS

1045 eyes in 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) enrolled. Overall, the pooled estimate showed a statistically significant effect of bevacizumab on the reduction of recurrence (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56-0.97, P=0.03). Subgroup analyses presented significant results beneficial to bevacizumab (primary pterygium group, RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.33-0.83, P=0.006; conjunctival autograft group, RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25-0.91, P=0.02; and follow-up longer than 12 months group, RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-0.99, P=0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of bevacizumab showed a statistically significant decrease in recurrence rate following removal of primary pterygia, or in cases with conjunctival autograft, or with follow-up longer than 12 months, while complications were not increased.

Safety of antivascular endothelial growth factor administration in the ocular anterior segment in pterygium and neovascular glaucoma treatment: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anti-VEGF agents has been widely used in ocular diseases, but its safety for treating anterior segment disorders, the conclusions are controversial.

METHODS

Several major databases, including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, were searched. Safety data from 18 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were used to compare anti-VEGF treatment in the ocular anterior segment in pterygium and neovascular glaucoma treatment with placebo/sham treatment for eye diseases. A meta-analysis for adverse events was performed.

RESULTS

Eighteen RCT studies with 955 eyes were included in the meta-analysis. Significant difference in conjunctival disorders (OR: 1.62; 95% CI, 1.01-2.59; P = .05) was noted among the included studies, but not in ocular intolerance (odds ratio [OR]: 0.75; 95% CI, 0.34-1.62; P = .46), corneal disorders (OR: 0.71; 95% CI, 0.37-1.37; P = .31), or the subgroup analysis of conjunctival disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of anti-VEGF agents in the ocular anterior segment for patients with pterygium and glaucoma was tolerable in tolerance and cornea, but was the risk factor of conjunctival disorders. The healing of corneal epithelium may be delayed in patients with primary corneal epithelial defects after anti-VEGF application. However, due to the limited evidence, further research should be performed on the safety of anti-VEGF administration in patients with different corneal disorders.

The efficacy of fascial granuloma excision with conjunctival autografting after pterygium surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Pterygium has a high recurrence rate after simple excision, and fascial granuloma is one of the common complications of pterygium excision. This study aimed to investigate the treatment for the fascial granuloma.

METHODS

In this study, the 36 eyes of 36 cases with fascial granuloma after pterygium excision were collected and divided into two groups to receive granuloma excision and conjunctival autografting or simple granuloma excision. The patients in the treatment group containing 20 cases received granuloma excision and conjunctival autografting, while the patients in the control group containing 16 cases received simple granuloma excision.

RESULTS

The pathology examination results showed that all the removed granulomas were inflammatory granulation tissues that without bacterial infection. After 12 months' follow-up, there was no recurrence of fascia granuloma and pterygium in the treatment group, in which the cure rate was up to 100%. In the control group, 6 cases experienced a recurrence of the granuloma fascia 2~3 weeks after operation; after further granuloma excision and conjunctival autografting, pterygium recurred in 8 cases.

CONCLUSION

The fascial granuloma excision with conjunctival autografting is effective and safe in treating fascial granuloma after pterygium surgery, which contributes to reducing the recurrence of pterygium.

Comparison among adjuvant treatments for primary pterygium: a network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Pterygium is a frequent ocular disease, where the major challenge is the high level of recurrence after its surgical removal. We performed a network meta-analysis to identify, among several adjuvant treatments for primary pterygium, which is the best to prevent recurrence.

METHODS

A search was conducted using PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Centre on Health Sciences and Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register between 1993 and 2015 for randomisedclinical trials (RCTs) comparing adjuvant treatments following primary pterygium surgery.

RESULTS

24 RCTs that studied 1815 eyes of 1668 patients were included and allowed direct and indirect comparison among 14 interventions through network meta-analysis. The rank from the best to worse treatment to prevent recurrence is: conjunctival autograft + ciclosporin 0.05% eye drops, bare sclera + intraoperativemitomycin C (MMC) <0.02%, bare sclera + beta therapy (2500 cGy single dose), conjunctival autograft + beta therapy (1000 cGy single dose), bare sclera + MMC 0.02% eye drops, conjunctival autograft, bare sclera + intraoperative MMC >0.02%, bare sclera + ciclosporin 0.05% eye drops, bare sclera + intraoperative 5-fluorouracil 5%, amniotic membrane transplantation, bare sclera + intraoperative MMC 0.02%, conjunctival autograft + bevacizumab 0.05% eye drops, bare sclera + bevacizumab 0.05% eye drops and bare sclera alone.

CONCLUSION

The best adjuvant treatment to prevent recurrence after primary pterygium surgery is the association of conjunctival autograft and ciclosporin 0.05% eye drops. Bare sclera technique alone should be discontinued since it is associated with high recurrence rates.

Bevacizumab as adjuvant therapy in the management of pterygium: a systematic review and Meta-analysis

AIM

To evaluate the clinical effect of bevacizumab in pterygium treatment.

METHODS

A systematic review and quantitative Meta-analysis was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane database were searched for eligible literatures published in English until June 2016. The endpoint was recurrence rate and pooled risk ratio (RR) was calculated.

RESULTS

Nine eligible studies were included and Meta-analysis results showed no significantly difference in patients treated with bevacizumab in short term follow-up [3mo: RR=0.70 (0.34, 1.45); 6mo: RR=0.55 (0.23, 1.32)] compared with control groups. No significant effects were observed in favor of bevacizumab in subgroup analyses: patients with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab [3mo: RR=0.95 (0.70, 1.29); 6mo: RR=0.83 (0.55, 1.28)], primary pterygium [3mo: RR=0.59 (0.23, 1.54; 6mo: RR=0.59 (0.23, 1.53)], simple pterygium excision [3mo: 0.32 (0.05, 2.04), P=0.23; 6mo: 0.27 (0.05, 1.53)] and excision with conjunctival autograft [3mo: 1.51 (0.25, 9.15); 6mo: 1.11 (0.06, 21.69)].

CONCLUSION

In this Meta-analysis, we did not found the significant effect of bevacizumab in pterygium treatment, at least in short term follow-up (3mo and 6mo).

Topical bevacizumab treatment in aniridia

PURPOSE

To report the results of long-term topical treatment with bevacizumab (Avastin) 5 mg/mL eyedrops in a case of aniridia-related neovacularization of the cornea.

METHODS

Interventional case report. A female patient with aniridia had a decrease in the best corrected visual acuity from 0.32 to 0.02 in the OS over the course of 4 years, secondary to central corneal neovascularization and epithelial breakdown. Vision in the OD was 0.2. In 2008, at age 28, a shared decision was made to start off-label treatment with bevacizumab eyedrops 0.5% in both eyes. After 9 years, the visual acuity in the OD remained stable, with stability of the macropannus and maintenance of central corneal clarity. In the OS, the central corneal neovascularization regressed, the epithelium regained its clarity, and after cataract surgery visual acuity was regained to 0.32.

RESULTS

After 9 years of treatment with topical bevacizumab, vision acuity is comparable to the situation of 12 years previously: Visual acuity remained stable in the ODS.

CONCLUSION

In a young patient with progressive corneal neovascularization secondary to aniridia, stability of central corneal neovascularization was obtained and corneal clarity was preserved by adding a daily drop of bevacizumab 5 mg/mL. No adverse events occurred. Vessel growth was inhibited, and as such, the progression of the natural history of the patient's disease was halted. More clinical study with longer follow-up is needed to investigate the applicability of treatment with topical VEGF inhibitors in aniridia.

Use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor in the management of pterygium

The rising success of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in ocular disease has stimulated the use of such treatments in the surgical management of pterygium. We reviewed the literature to better understand the safety and efficacy of the adjunctive role of anti-VEGF treatments for pterygium excision. Without surgery, anti-VEGF alone may favourably alter symptoms and vascularity, but does not cause pterygium regression. Some evidence supports the use of anti-VEGF as an adjuvant therapy to surgery, especially when using a higher dose and a more frequent dosing regimen. Overall, anti-VEGF is generally safe and well tolerated in patients with pterygium. Currently, the evidence does not conclusively support the use of anti-VEGF in pterygium surgery. However, further research may guide unanswered questions regarding the interaction between VEGF and other factors responsible for pterygium growth. In addition, the optimal route and dosage of anti-VEGF administration is not yet known.

Inhibition of Pterygium Fibroblast Migration and Outgrowth by Bevacizumab and Cyclosporine A Involves Down-Regulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases-3 and -13

We examined the connection between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression/activity and pterygium fibroblast migration, and how these were affected by bevacizumab and/or cyclosporine A (CsA). Fibroblasts were obtained from 20 pterygia and 6 normal conjunctival specimens. Expression levels of MMP-3 and MMP-13 were examined after bevacizumab administration. Immunofluorescence staining was used to examine expression of both MMPs in fibroblasts migrating out from explanted pterygium tissues. Rates of cell migration from explant-cultured pterygia tissues and scratch-wounded confluent pterygium fibroblasts were examined in the presence of MMP-3 or MMP-13 inhibitors, as well as bevacizumab and/or CsA. A scratch wound healing migration assay was performed to determine the effects of bevacizumab and/or CsA. Protein expression of both MMPs in pterygium tissues and in cells migrating from organ-cultured pterygium tissues was greater than that observed in normal cells. Inhibition of the activities of both MMPs decreased their expression levels; these were also significantly reduced in bevacizumab-injected pterygium tissues. Bevacizumab significantly reduced the expression of both MMPs and cell migration. Pretreatment with CsA prior to bevacizumab exposure markedly inhibited cell migration and the expression of both MMPs. CsA enhanced the inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on pterygium fibroblast migration in vitro, possibly by inhibiting expression of both MMPs. These findings suggest that combined CsA and bevacizumab treatment may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing the rate of pterygium recurrence.