Two-Year Outcomes of Treat-and-Extend Intravitreal Aflibercept for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Prospective Study

Switch to faricimab after initial treatment with aflibercept in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy and outcomes of switching neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients from aflibercept to faricimab, focusing on visual acuity, retinal fluid management, and treatment intervals. The primary aim was to assess the early outcomes in nAMD patients refractory to aflibercept and explore faricimab's potential as a longer-lasting therapeutic alternative.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 50 refractory nAMD patients at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi from September 2022-May 2023. Patients were switched from aflibercept to faricimab, having met specific criteria for refractory nAMD. The study analyzed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield thickness (CST), and fluid changes post-switch, using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

RESULTS

After three faricimab injections, significant reductions in CST were observed, with a notable decrease in retinal fluid. The mean BCVA remained stable throughout the study period. Although there was a decrease in the maximum pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height, it was not statistically significant. Treatment intervals post-switch showed that the majority of patients maintained or extended their treatment intervals, with a significant proportion achieving resolution of intraretinal fluid (IRF) and subretinal fluid (SRF).

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to faricimab from aflibercept in refractory nAMD patients led to significant improvements in retinal fluid management and CST, with stable BCVA outcomes. Faricimab presents a promising alternative for patients requiring frequent aflibercept injections, potentially offering a more manageable treatment regimen with extended dosing intervals. This study highlights the need for personalized therapeutic strategies in nAMD treatment, though further research is necessary to optimize treatment switches.

Retinal and choroidal changes after anti-VEGF therapy in neovascular-AMD patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of SD-OCT studies

BACKGROUND

In recent years, the progress made in the field of optical coherence tomography has helped to understand the changes in eye layers in patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Early diagnosis of nAMD, a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment, is helpful. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis on OCT measurement alterations before and after anti-VEGF therapy in patients with nAMD and controls.

METHOD

We systematically searched Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science to find articles that measured choroidal and retinal layer changes after anti-VEGF therapy in nAMD Patients. We chose either a fixed-effects or random-effects model based on the assessed heterogeneity level to perform a meta-analysis. In addition, we conducted meta-regression, subgroup analyses, publication bias, and quality assessment for included studies.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in the meta-analysis, with 733 total participants. Foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) decreased significantly in the first 3 years after injections, except for subfoveal CT in the third year after injection. It also showed that CT at 1500 µm temporal and nasal to the fovea did not significantly change.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed anti-VEGF treatment for nAMD patients was associated with a significant reduction in foveal thickness and subfoveal CT in the first 2 years after treatment. Our analysis did not reveal any correlation between changes in foveal thickness and subfoveal CT with best-corrected visual acuity or other factors.

The Reinforced Treat-and-Extend Protocol for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Retrospective Assessment of 24-Month Real-World Outcomes in France

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this work is to evaluate the real-world outcomes of the reinforced treat-and-extend (RTE) protocol for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration with intravitreal injections of aflibercept or ranibizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies).

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of patients from two tertiary ophthalmology centers in France initiating the RTE protocol between February 2018 and June 2021. The primary outcome was change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after 24 months. Secondary outcomes were change in central retinal thickness (CRT), recurrence, and management-related factors (injection interval, number of injections/consultations). Outcomes were additionally evaluated after protocol changes (strict versus modified RTE protocol groups).

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients (72 eyes) were included (68% females; mean age 82.2 ± 7.8 years). After 24 months, mean BCVA significantly improved (65.22 ± 14 vs. 71.96 ± 13 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters; p < 0.001) and CRT significantly decreased (388.6 ± 104 vs. 278.8 ± 51 μM; p < 0.001) with 21% of eyes showing signs of exudation. Over the 24 months, a mean total of 14.9 ± 4.0 injections and 8.6 ± 1.4 consultations were performed. Mean 24-month injection interval was 7.9 ± 2.3 weeks. Initial and 24-month ophthalmic outcomes for eyes in the strict (47%) versus modified (53%) groups were not significantly different, but mean time interval to first recurrence of disease activity was significantly shorter for the modified group (7.3 ± 2.4 vs. 9.9 ± 2.5 weeks; p < 0.001). Patients in the strict RTE group received significantly less injections (13.9 ± 3.6 vs. 16.5 ± 3.9; p = 0.006) and mean 24-month injection interval was significantly longer (9.5 ± 2.7 vs. 6.5 ± 2.1 weeks; p < 0.001). Consultation number was similar (8.5 ± 1.9 vs. 8.8 ± 1.6; p = 0.93). Treatment with aflibercept versus ranibizumab did not influence ophthalmic or management outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The RTE protocol, even when modified, reduced consultations but improved ophthalmic outcomes. The RTE protocol could reduce hospital visits and overall burden while also encouraging better patient compliance. Video Abstract available for this article.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

Vincent Soler and François-Philippe Roubelat summarize the Reinforced Treat-and-Extend Protocol and main results (MP4 225022 KB).

Retinal and choroidal efficacy of switching treatment to faricimab in recalcitrant neovascular age related macular degeneration

Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of switching treatment to faricimab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) from other anti-VEGF agents. Fifty-eight eyes of fifty-one patients with nAMD and a full upload series of four faricimab injections were included. Demographic data, multimodal imaging and treatment parameters were recorded. The primary outcome measures were changes in central subfield thickness (CST) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). A subgroup analysis was performed for eyes with prior ranibizumab (R) or aflibercept (A) treatment. Mean injection intervals before and after switching were comparable (33.8 ± 11.2 vs. 29.3 ± 2.6 days; p = 0.08). Mean CST of 361.4 ± 108.1 µm prior to switching decreased significantly to 318.3 ± 97.7 µm (p < 0.01) after the third faricimab injection, regardless of prior anti-VEGF treatment (p < 0.01). Although SFCT slightly improved for the whole cohort from 165.8 ± 76.8 µm to 161.0 ± 82,8 µm (p = 0.029), subgroup analysis did not confirm this positive effect (subgroup R: p = 0.604; subgroup A: p = 0.306). In patients with a suboptimal response to aflibercept or ranibizumab in nAMD, farcimab can improve CST and slightly improve or maintain SFCT. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted.

Factors Associated with Success of Switching to Faricimab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Refractory to Intravitreal Aflibercept

We investigated the factors associated with the success of switching to faricimab for type 1 macular neovascularization (MNV) refractory to intravitreal aflibercept (IVA). This retrospective cohort study included patients with type 1 MNV who were switched to faricimab because they were refractory to IVA at two centers. The primary endpoint was a more than two-week extension of the treatment interval after 6 months. In addition, factors related to the success or failure of extension and visual and anatomical outcomes were assessed. The analysis included 43 eyes from 43 patients. Extended dosing intervals of >2 weeks were identified in 14 eyes (32.6%). A short dosing interval before switching, absence of polypoidal lesions, and thin central choroidal thickness before switching were identified as factors involved in successful extension. For patients with refractory type 1 MNV, switching to faricimab is a safe and potential option to extend existing dosing intervals.

Short-Term Outcomes of 3 Monthly intravitreal Faricimab On Different Subtypes of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of faricimab injections for treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) patients, including subtypes and pachychoroid phenotypes, and identify predictive factors for visual outcomes.

Methods

nvAMD patients were prospectively recruited, receiving three monthly faricimab (6 mg) injections. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) two months after the last injection (month 4) was compared between subtypes, and between pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and non-PNV eyes. Regression analysis determined factors influencing month 4 BCVA.

Results

The study involved 23 patients (12 typical AMD [tAMD], 10 polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy [PCV], 1 retinal angiomatous proliferation [RAP]). Eleven exhibited PNV phenotype. Significant BCVA (P = 4.9 × 10-4) and central retinal thickness (CRT) (P = 1.3 × 10-5) improvements were observed post-faricimab treatment. The therapy demonstrated favourable results for both tAMD and PCV eyes, and non-PNV and PNV eyes. Faricimab achieved dry macula in 77.3% of eyes, with subretinal fluid resolution in most cases, although intraretinal fluid (IRF) often persisted. Multivariable analysis identified external limiting membrane (ELM) presence and IRF as BCVA contributors at month 4.

Conclusion

Faricimab demonstrated significant effectiveness and safety in treatment-naïve nvAMD patients, particularly for PCV and PNV eyes. ELM presence and IRF is predictive of visual outcomes.

Two-Year Real-World Results for Aflibercept Using the Treat-and-Extend Regimen in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

INTRODUCTION

To evaluate the real-world efficacy of aflibercept using the treat-and-extend (TnE) regimen in treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and to analyze biomarkers using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to predict treatment outcomes.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with nAMD or PCV who received an intravitreal injection of aflibercept following the TnE regimen for ≥ 2 years were retrospectively reviewed. Data on best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of injections, treatment interval, and OCT biomarkers, including central macular thickness, presence of subretinal fluid (SRF), and serous pigmented epithelial detachment, were collected at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the first injection.

RESULTS

A total of 43 patients were enrolled in this study, 24 of whom were diagnosed with nAMD and 19 with PCV. The BCVA in logMAR (mean ± standard deviation) improved from 0.75 ± 0.41 (baseline) to 0.60 ± 0.41 (P = 0.002) at 3 months after treatment initiation, and further improved to 0.66 ± 0.46 at 24 months (P = 0.137). The number of injections (mean ± standard deviation) within the 2-year treatment course was 10.95 ± 3.65. At month 24 of the TnE regimen, the treatment interval was extended to ≥ 16 weeks in 60.5% of all cases and to 78.9% of the PCV cases. After three loading injections, persistent subretinal fluid and intraretinal fluid were predictive of more frequent injections (P = 0.026) and poorer visual outcomes (P = 0.050), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Aflibercept combined with a TnE regimen was effective in treating nAMD and PCV in a real-world setting. The treatment interval could be extended to ≥ 16 weeks in 60.5% of the cases after a 2-year treatment regimen. OCT can be used to predict the treatment course and visual outcomes.

Six-month outcomes of switching from aflibercept to faricimab in refractory cases of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To assess 6-month outcomes of switching from aflibercept to faricimab in eyes with refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) previously requiring monthly injections.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study examined nAMD eyes receiving monthly aflibercept injections switched to faricimab administered monthly up to 4 injections followed by injections at a minimum of 2-month intervals as per drug labeling. Data regarding age, sex, number of previous injections, treatment intervals, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were collected. Central retinal thickness (CRT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and maximal pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height were measured by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The study included 130 eyes of 124 patients. At 6 months, 53 eyes (40.8%) continued on faricimab treatment (Group 1), while 77 eyes (59.2%) discontinued faricimab for various reasons (Group 2) the most common being worse exudation. There were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. In Group 1, CRT and SFCT significantly decreased at 1 month (P = 0.013 and 0.008), although statistical significance was lost at 6 months (P = 0.689 and 0.052). BCVA and maximal PED height showed no significant changes; however, mean treatment intervals were extended from 4.4 ± 0.5 weeks at baseline to 8.7 ± 1.7 weeks at 6 months (P < 0.001) in Group 1. No clear predictors of response were identified.

CONCLUSION

Switching from aflibercept to faricimab allowed for extension of treatment intervals from monthly to bimonthly in roughly 40% of eyes, suggesting that faricimab may be considered in refractory nAMD cases.

Characteristics of Eyes With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration Requiring Frequent Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Injections

Objective In this study, we aimed to determine the characteristics of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients requiring frequent anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. Methods This was a retrospective observational study involving the review of 32 eyes of 31 patients (25 men and six women, mean age: 74.3 years) treated with anti-VEGF injections for less than eight weeks and at least one year of follow-up. The subtype of macular neovascularization (MNV), follow-up duration, number of injections, visual acuity, and exudative changes during the study period were evaluated. Results Twenty-nine eyes (90.6%) had MNV under the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), including 11 eyes with type 1 MNV and 18 eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Only three eyes had type 2 MNV (9.4%) above the RPE. The mean follow-up period was 28.7 ± 16.5 months, and the mean number of injections was 21.5 ± 11.8. The mean visual acuity [logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) units] was 0.19 ± 0.23 at the initial visit to our hospital, which decreased non-significantly to 0.24 ± 0.4 at the final visit (p=0.63). The exudation in four eyes (two with type 1 MNV and two with PCV) never resolved. The exudation remained in 27 eyes (84%) even after every four weeks of treatment, and it was present in five eyes (16%) in the treatment interval of eight weeks. Conclusions In the eyes receiving frequent anti-VEGF injections, the sub-RPE MNV might have affected the response to the treatment. Although patients requiring frequent anti-VEGF therapy did not have a significant decrease in their visual acuity, 84% of the eyes had exudations even with monthly injections.

Investigation of satisfaction with short-term outcomes after switching to faricimab to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes and patient satisfaction at 6-months' follow-up after switching to faricimab to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) with a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

METHODS

Forty-eight consecutive eyes (48 patients) were switched to faricimab to treat nAMD and followed for 6 months on a TAE regimen. The Macular Disease Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (MacTSQ) was administered to patients 6 months after the switch.

RESULTS

Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was maintained 6 months after the switch, while the mean (± standard error) central foveal thickness 6 months after the switch (272 ± 14 μm) decreased significantly compared to the time of the switch (372 ± 20 μm) (p < 0.001). The interval between injections 6 months after the switch was 10.45 ± 0.44 weeks, a significant extension from 6.72 ± 0.34 weeks at the switch (p = 0.002). The MacTSQ total score (58.8 ± 1.7) in eyes with a BCVA of 20/40 and better 6 months after the switch was significantly higher compared to that in eyes with a BCVA worse than 20/40 (48.2 ± 1.5) (p < 0.001). The MacTSQ total score (56.8 ± 1.8) in eyes in which a 4 weeks extension of the injection interval was achieved was significantly higher than (49.5 ± 1.9) in eyes without (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Switching to faricimab with a TAE regimen seems to maintain the BCVA and extend the injection interval in patients with nAMD, resulting in enhanced satisfaction.

Efficacy of a Modified Treat-and-Extend Aflibercept Regimen for Macular Oedema in Eyes with Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: 2-Year Prospective Study

This prospective, multicentre, interventional study evaluated the efficacy of a modified treat-and-extend (mTAE) aflibercept regimen as personalized therapy for macular oedema (MO) due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Fifty eyes were studied from 50 patients who were enrolled between November 2016 and July 2019. All patients received intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections on an mTAE regimen for 24 months. Primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints were BCVA and CST at 24 months. Mean (standard deviation) baseline BCVA (logMAR) and CST were 0.50 (0.51) and 557 (240) µm, respectively. BCVA and CST showed significant improvements at month 12 (0.19 (0.38) and 275 (98) µm, respectively; both p < 0.0001, paired t-test). BCVA and CST also showed significant improvements at 24 months (0.26 (0.50) and 255 (91) µm, respectively, p = 0.0004 and p < 0.0001, paired t-test). The mean numbers of IVA injections and clinic visits over the 24-month study period were 6.2 (3.0) and 10.3 (1.0), respectively. The mTAE regimen of IVA injections for MO due to CRVO was effective in improving BCVA and decreasing CST at 24 months. The mTAE regimen might be an effective personalized therapy for CRVO.

Pachychoroid neovasculopathy has clinical properties that differ from conventional neovascular age-related macular degeneration

To determine the clinical properties of pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) that differ from conventional neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and suggest that they are different clinical entities. To accomplish this, we reviewed the medical records of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with nAMD. All of the patients were Japanese, and their mean age was 75.5 years. There were 72 men and 28 women. For the bilateral cases, only the right eye was analyzed. An eye was diagnosed with PNV when a macular neovascularization (MNV) was detected just above the dilated choroidal vessels. The Indocyanine green angiographic (ICGA) and en face optical coherence tomographic (OCT) images were used to assess the vertical symmetry of the medium and large choroidal vessels. The subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT) was also measured manually in the OCT images. After reclassification, there were 29 (29%) patients with typical nAMD (25 with type 1 MNV, 4 with type 2 MNV), 43 (43%) with PNV, 21 (21%) with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, and 7 (7%) with retinal angiomatous proliferation. Of the 43 PNV, 17 (39.5%) had polypoidal lesions and 26 (60.5%) had no polypoidal lesions. The percentage of eyes with vertical asymmetry of the medium and large choroidal vessels was significantly greater in the 35 PNV (81.4%) than in the 16 non-PNV (28.1%; P < 0.01) cases. The mean SCT was significantly thicker in the PNV eyes than in the non-PNV eyes (298 ± 96 μm vs. 228 ± 82 μm; P < 0.01). The response of PNV to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments was better than that of non-PNV eyes [higher dry macula rate after the loading period (90.9% vs. 59.1%), fewer total number of injections (11.0 ± 2.9 vs. 13.4 ± 3.2), and longer treatment intervals for the anti-VEGF therapy (8.4 ± 3.1 vs. 13.4 ± 3.2 weeks) at 2 years (all P < 0.01)]. These differences in the morphology and response to anti-VEGF treatments suggest that PNV is a separate clinical entity to conventional nAMD.

Efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab up to every 16 weeks in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 1-year results from the Japan subgroup of the phase 3 TENAYA trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 1-year efficacy, durability, and safety of faricimab versus aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) enrolled in the Japan subgroup of the TENAYA trial.

STUDY DESIGN

TENAYA (NCT03823287) was a global, phase 3, multicenter, randomized, active comparator-controlled, double-masked, noninferiority, parallel-group, 112-week trial. After completion of global enrollment, additional patients were enrolled in the Japan extension of TENAYA.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve patients aged ≥ 50 years with nAMD were randomized (1:1) to intravitreal faricimab 6 mg up to every 16 weeks (Q16W) after 4 initial Q4W doses based on disease activity at weeks 20 and 24 or aflibercept 2 mg Q8W after 3 initial Q4W doses. Primary endpoint was mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline averaged over weeks 40, 44, and 48. Anatomical/durability outcomes were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 133 patients were included in the TENAYA Japan subgroup analysis (faricimab, n = 66; aflibercept, n = 67). The adjusted mean (95% confidence interval) BCVA changes were + 7.1 (4.6‒9.7) and + 7.7 (5.2‒10.1) letters in the faricimab and aflibercept treatment groups, respectively. At week 48, 66.1%, 22.6%, and 11.3% of patients in the faricimab group were on Q16W, Q12W, Q8W and dosing intervals, respectively. Ocular adverse event rates were similar between treatment groups (faricimab, n = 14 [21.2%] versus aflibercept, n = 17 [25.4%]).

CONCLUSION

The TENAYA Japan subgroup analysis showed that faricimab up to Q16W had sustained efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. These findings are consistent with the global TENAYA and LUCERNE findings.

Outer nuclear layer recovery as a predictor of visual prognosis in type 1 choroidal neovascularization of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

To investigate the changes in outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness during anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in type 1 choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and its impact on vision. Type 1 CNV eyes (n = 94) were retrospectively compared to normal control eyes (n = 35). Along with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the location of CNV, foveal ONL thickness, and subretinal fluid height were measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and analyzed. Visual outcome and OCT biomarkers were compared. As a result, the CNV group had thinner foveal ONL and worse BCVA compared to the control group. ONL thickness recovered partially along with visual improvement following 3 monthly initial loading doses of aflibercept injections, and it correlated with the final BCVA during the 1-year follow-up. Eyes achieved foveal ONL recovery over + 10 µm had lower subfoveal CNV (45.5%) and showed better visual outcomes than eyes with stationary ONL or suboptimal ONL recovery (76.0%, p = 0.012). In conclusion, type 1 CNV eyes that recovered foveal ONL thickness at initial loading of anti-VEGF demonstrated good final visual outcome during the 1-year follow-up. Monitoring the foveal ONL thickness during early anti-VEGF treatment can give information about the visual outcomes in type 1 CNV.

Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Updates on Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatments

There have been recent advances in basic research and clinical studies in polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). A recent, large-scale, population-based study found systemic factors, such as male gender and smoking, were associated with PCV, and a recent systematic review reported plasma C-reactive protein, a systemic biomarker, was associated with PCV. Growing evidence points to an association between pachydrusen, recently proposed extracellular deposits associated with the thick choroid, and the risk of development of PCV. Many recent studies on diagnosis of PCV have focused on applying criteria from noninvasive multimodal retinal imaging without requirement of indocyanine green angiography. There have been attempts to develop deep learning models, a recent subset of artificial intelligence, for detecting PCV from different types of retinal imaging modality. Some of these deep learning models were found to have high performance when they were trained and tested on color retinal images with corresponding images from optical coherence tomography. The treatment of PCV is either a combination therapy using verteporfin photodynamic therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), or anti-VEGF monotherapy, often used with a treat-and-extend regimen. New anti-VEGF agents may provide more durable treatment with similar efficacy, compared with existing anti-VEGF agents. It is not known if they can induce greater closure of polypoidal lesions, in which case, combination therapy may still be a mainstay. Recent evidence supports long-term follow-up of patients with PCV after treatment for early detection of recurrence, particularly in patients with incomplete closure of polypoidal lesions.

STRICT PRO RE NATA VERSUS TREAT-AND-EXTEND REGIMENS IN NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

PURPOSE

To compare the visual and anatomical outcomes between strict pro re nata (strict PRN) and treat-and-extend (T&E) anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) regimens for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).

METHODS

A meta-analysis of 1-year and 2-year changes between strict PRN and T&E anti-VEGF regimens were conducted in both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real-world studies (RWSs). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), and weighted mean numbers of visits and injections were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 19 RCTs and 23 RWSs (2,530 eyes in strict PRN and 4,399 eyes in T&E) were included. Mean BCVA change in strict PRN group in both 1-year and 2-year (5.95 and 5.78, respectively) was noninferior to the T&E group (7.85 and 5.96, respectively). Mean CRT changes were also similar in both strict PRN and T&E groups. Mean number of visits were significantly more in the strict PRN group, whereas mean number of injections was significantly more in the T&E group.

CONCLUSION

The strict PRN regimen demonstrates a noninferior BCVA improvement to the T&E regimen, achieving fewer injections, and may be both economically and medically beneficial. Both selections should be provided to patients with an overall consideration.

Joint multimodal deep learning-based automatic segmentation of ICGA and OCT images for assessment of PCV biomarkers

Purpose

To develop a fully-automatic hybrid algorithm to jointly segment and quantify biomarkers of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) on indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) and spectral domain-OCT (SD-OCT) images.

Design

Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology.

Participants

Seventy-two participants with PCV enrolled in clinical studies at Singapore National Eye Center.

Methods

The dataset consisted of 2-dimensional (2-D) ICGA and 3-dimensional (3-D) SD-OCT images which were spatially registered and manually segmented by clinicians. A deep learning-based hybrid algorithm called PCV-Net was developed for automatic joint segmentation of biomarkers. The PCV-Net consisted of a 2-D segmentation branch for ICGA and 3-D segmentation branch for SD-OCT. We developed fusion attention modules to connect the 2-D and 3-D branches for effective use of the spatial correspondence between the imaging modalities by sharing learned features. We also used self-supervised pretraining and ensembling to further enhance the performance of the algorithm without the need for additional datasets. We compared the proposed PCV-Net to several alternative model variants.

Main Outcome Measures

The PCV-Net was evaluated based on the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) of the segmentations and the Pearson's correlation and absolute difference of the clinical measurements obtained from the segmentations. Manual grading was used as the gold standard.

Results

The PCV-Net showed good performance compared to manual grading and alternative model variants based on both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Compared to the baseline variant, PCV-Net improved the DSC by 0.04 to 0.43 across the different biomarkers, increased the correlations, and decreased the absolute differences of clinical measurements of interest. Specifically, the largest average (mean ± standard error) DSC improvement was for intraretinal fluid, from 0.02 ± 0.00 (baseline variant) to 0.45 ± 0.06 (PCV-Net). In general, improving trends were observed across the model variants as more technical specifications were added, demonstrating the importance of each aspect of the proposed method.

Conclusion

The PCV-Net has the potential to aid clinicians in disease assessment and research to improve clinical understanding and management of PCV.

Financial Disclosures

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

The comparison of two different strategies of intravitreal conbercept for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy in Chinese patients results from a 48-week randomized phase 4 study: STAR study

PURPOSE

To compare a treat-and-extend (TAE) strategy with a fixed dosing regimen of intravitreal conbercept (IVC) for the management of treatment-naïve polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) patients.

METHODS

249 patients with treatment-naïve PCV were randomized 1:1 to fixed dosing regimen with injections every 12 weeks (3 + Q12W) group or treat-and-extend regimen(3 + TAE) group. Patients received 3 monthly intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg conbercept as loading dose in both groups. The 3 + Q12W patients were monitored monthly and received mandated injections every 12 weeks; the 3 + TAE patients were monitored and treated monthly until the resolution of exudative disease activity; the interval between visits was then individualized according to study protocol. Visual and anatomical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

At 48 weeks, there was no significant difference between the 3 + Q12W group and 3 + TAE group in mean BCVA improvement (p = 0.421), mean changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) (p = 0.818), maximum retinal thickness (MRT) (p = 0.448), pigment epithelial detachment (PED) height (p = 0.221), PED volume (p = 0.076), branching vascular network (BVN) area (p = 0.615), polypoidal lesion number (p = 0.701), polypoidal lesion area (p = 0.424), rates of patients who avoided vision loss of ≥15 ETDRS letters (p = 0.397) or complete polypoidal lesion regression rate (43.8% vs. 41.8%, p = 0.814). The 3 + Q12W group had more decreased retinal haemorrhage area (p = 0.014) and fewer mean numbers of injections comparing with 3 + TAE group (6.6 vs. 9.4, p < 0.001). Mean maximum extension interval between injections after loading injections was 9.6 ± 2.0 weeks for 3 + TAE group, with 27.8% of patients achieving an extension interval of 12 weeks and 61.1% patients 8 weeks or more.

CONCLUSIONS

Both 3 + Q12W and 3 + TAE regimens of IVC could result in improvement in visual and anatomical outcomes in PCV patients.

Novel metrics for evaluating decision making in a 'Treat and Extend' regimen for neovascular age related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

The primary aim was to investigate outcome of the decision making on duration of injection intervals between injection visits over the first 2 years of a treat and extend regimen.

METHOD

Consecutive patients receiving Aflibercept for treatment naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration between 01.01.2016 and 15.07.2017 were identified from our departmental register. Retrospective data collected on all visits over 24 months were classified into three groups: (A) Without Interval Decision Events (IDE)" Injection only" (B) IDE resulting in injection intervals of <5 weeks and (C) IDE resulting in intervals of >5 weeks. The primary outcome was number of successful IDE relative to the total visits in Group C. Successful decision making was defined as absence of worsening of visual acuity (>5 L) or central retinal thickness (>50 microns) at the subsequent visit. Secondary visual and anatomical outcomes at 24 months were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Data from 56 eyes of 50 patients were included in the study. Visual acuity improved by +7.11 L at 24 months. Forty one patients with unilateral therapy made 721 visits: 280 visits (38.8%) were group A; 164 visits (22.8%) were group B and 277 visits (38.4%) were group C. Average interval in Group C was 8.9 weeks (range 5-15). The success rate of extension was 95.31% (264/277 visits).

CONCLUSION

These metrics for evaluating the decision making aspect of disease activity monitoring may be useful for monitoring performance and have given us a more realistic view and expectations of what can be achieved using this regime to optimise the timing of injections.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Aflibercept Treat-and-Extend Regimens in the ALTAIR Study: 96-Week Outcomes in the Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy Subgroup

Introduction

To explore the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept (IVT-AFL) proactive, individualized treat-and-extend (T&E) regimens in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the subgroup of patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) enrolled in the ALTAIR study.

Methods

This was a PCV subgroup analysis of ALTAIR, a 96-week, randomized, open-label, phase 4 study in treatment-naïve patients with exudative AMD in Japan. Following three initial monthly doses, patients received IVT-AFL at week 16 and were randomized 1:1 to T&E regimens with either 2-week (IVT-AFL-2W) or 4-week (IVT-AFL-4W) adjustments. The primary endpoint of ALTAIR was the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to week 52. Endpoints were assessed at weeks 52 and 96. Safety analyses were conducted.

Results

A total of 90 patients with PCV were included within the full analysis set. From baseline to week 52, mean [standard deviation (SD)] change in BCVA was + 7.5 (14.7) letters and + 8.2 (11.6) letters in the IVT-AFL-2W and IVT-AFL-4W groups, respectively. From baseline to week 96, 91.3% and 90.9% of patients maintained vision in the IVT-AFL-2W and IVT-AFL-4W groups, respectively. From baseline to week 52, mean (SD) change in central retinal thickness was − 153 (177) µm and −112 (122) µm in the IVT-AFL-2W and IVT-AFL-4W groups, respectively. Overall, 51.1% of patients (IVT-AFL-2W, 43.5%; IVT-AFL-4W, 59.1%) achieved a treatment interval of 16 weeks between weeks 16 and 96. The safety profile of IVT-AFL was consistent with previous studies.

Conclusion

In treatment-naïve patients with PCV, IVT-AFL administered using two different T&E regimens improved and maintained functional and anatomic outcomes over 96 weeks while minimizing treatment burden.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02305238.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-022-02162-w.

Choroidal Thickness Changes After Intravitreal Aflibercept Injections in Treatment-Naïve Neovascular AMD

Introduction

Choroidal thickness (CT) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various ocular diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Previous studies evaluated the CT variations after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections in patients with nAMD, but the results are still controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the CT at different times (15, 30, 60, 90, and 365 days) after intravitreal aflibercept injections and its correlation with the baseline CT in treatment-naïve patients with nAMD. Secondly, the study evaluated the correlation between CT variation at 365 days and the number of intravitreal injections received.

Methods

This was a prospective, open-label, single-arm pilot study. Twenty-one treatment-naïve nAMD eyes were enrolled. The study population underwent three monthly aflibercept injections (loading phase) and additional injections as needed (pro re nata regimen). A complete ophthalmological examination, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at each visit. CT was measured manually by two independent observers. All patients were evaluated at baseline and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 365 days after the first intravitreal injection.

Results

CT showed a statistically significant reduction at days 15, 90, and 365 in comparison to baseline. However, the major reduction of CT was observed at day 15 and in eyes with a thicker choroid at baseline. No significant correlation between CT variation and the number of injections performed was found.

Conclusion

Our findings contribute to clarifying the role of aflibercept injections in choroidal vasculature, confirming its effect after the first 2 weeks. Moreover, CT can be considered as a potential biomarker, as it reflects the pharmacological effect of anti-VEGF drugs.

"Treat-and-Extend" Regimen for Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Two-Year Retrospective Follow-up Study

BACKGROUND

After the introduction of a "treat-and-extend" regimen (T&E) with aflibercept for exudative age-related macular degeneration, naive eyes were compared with eyes pretreated with a "pro re nata" scheme (PRN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Ethics Committee of Eastern Switzerland approved the retrospective single-centre study (EKOS20/084, project ID: 2020-01193). The study included 342 eyes of 303 patients newly treated with or switched to T&E between January 2018 and March 2018 at the Eye Clinic of the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen. The gender distribution of the treated eyes was 63.5% (n = 217) female and 36.5% (n = 125) male. The mean age was 81.6 years (SD = 8.6 years). The collective was divided into three groups: 1) naive, untreated eyes (n = 92), 2) eyes with ≤ 6 previous treatments with PRN (n = 37), 3) eyes with > 6 previous treatments with PRN (n = 213). The following parameters were analysed up to December 2019: the evolution of visual acuity, the number of intravitreal injections, the number of recurrences, the duration of the follow-up, the dropout rate, and the duration of the last treatment interval.

RESULTS

During the observation period, group 1 showed a statistically significant improvement in visual acuity of + 1.5 ETDRS, while groups 2 and 3 showed a decrease in visual acuity of - 2.9 and - 3.7 ETDRS, respectively. Group 1 had better development of visual acuity than groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.005), while groups 2 and 3 were not significantly different (p = 0.92). The other parameters examined in the three groups did not differ significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with aflibercept in T&E shows significantly better visual acuity in naive eyes than in eyes pretreated with PRN.

Foveal Thickness Fluctuation in Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Long-term Study

OBJECTIVE OR PURPOSE

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) causes macular edema (ME) that can be controlled with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments. However, these treatments are not curative, necessitating additional anti-VEGF treatments at recurrences. Long-term results, optimal anti-VEGF treatment regimens, and the comprehensive effects of ME recurrences are largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to examine the effects of foveal thickness (FT) fluctuation (FTF) on visual and morphologic outcomes following anti-VEGF treatments for BRVO-ME administered via a pro re nata regimen.

DESIGN

A retrospective, observational case series SUBJECTS, PARTICIPANTS AND/OR CONTROLS: This study analyzed 309 treatment-naïve patients (309 eyes) with BRVO-ME between 2012 and 2021 at a multi-center retinal practice.

METHODS, INTERVENTION, OR TESTING

FT was assessed via optical coherence tomography (OCT) at each study visit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We evaluated the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution best corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA) and the defect length of the foveal ellipsoid zone (EZ) band measured via OCT.

RESULTS

At baseline, the mean logMAR BCVA was 0.30±0.30 and the mean FT was 503±162 μm. The number of anti-VEGF injections for BRVO-ME was 5.8±4.6 during the mean follow-up period (50.6±22.2 months). At the final examination, the mean logMAR BCVA and FT values were significantly improved compared with the baseline. Multiple regression analyses showed that age, baseline logMAR BCVA, and FTF were significantly associated with the final logMAR BCVA (β=0.20, 0.35, and 0.30, respectively). FTF (divided into Groups 0-3 in ascending order of FTF) was significantly associated with the logMAR BCVA and the defect length of the foveal EZ band at the final examination. The defect lengths of the foveal EZ band were longitudinally shortened in Groups 0-1 and were slightly prolonged in Groups 2-3. The logMAR BCVA maintained improvements in Groups 0-1, and worsened slightly in Groups 2-3.

CONCLUSIONS

FTF was significantly associated with visual acuity and foveal photoreceptor status. Thus, may improve the morphologic and functional prognoses of eyes with BRVO by identifying the characteristics of eyes with a larger FTF, and consequently controlling the FTF more strictly.

Managing Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Clinical Practice: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

The use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents has profoundly changed the prognosis of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). As clinical experiences have accumulated, it has become mandatory to summarize data to give information that can be useful in everyday practice. We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that reported 12-month changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in patients with nAMD on anti-VEGF monotherapy. Data were analyzed in a random-effects meta-analysis with BCVA change as the primary outcome. Meta-regression was conducted to evaluate the impact of multiple covariates. Four hundred and twelve heterogeneous study populations (109,666 eyes) were included. Anti-VEGFs induced an overall improvement of +5.37 ETDRS letters at 12 months. Meta-regression showed that mean BCVA change was statistically greater for RCTs (p = 0.0032) in comparison with observational studies. Populations following a proactive regimen had better outcomes than those following a reactive treatment regimen. Mean BCVA change was greater in younger populations, with lower baseline BCVA and treated with a higher number of injections (p < 0.001). Our results confirm that anti-VEGFs may produce a significant functional improvement at 12 months in patients with nAMD.

Treat-and-Extend Regimens for the Management of Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration and Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: Consensus and Recommendations From the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society

PURPOSE

Review and provide consensus recommendations on use of treat-and-extend (T&E) regimens for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) management with relevance for clinicians in the Asia-Pacific region.

METHODS

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases, and abstract databases of the Asia-Pacific Vitreo-retina Society, European Society of Retina Specialists, American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Controversies in Ophthalmology: Asia-Australia congresses, was conducted to assess evidence for T&E regimens in nAMD. Only studies with ≥100 study eyes were included. An expert panel reviewed the results and key factors potentially influencing the use of T&E regimens in nAMD and PCV, and subsequently formed consensus recommendations for their application in the Asia-Pacific region.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies were included. Studies demonstrated that T&E regimens with aflibercept, ranibizumab, or bevacizumab in nAMD, and with aflibercept in PCV, were efficacious and safe. The recommendation for T&E is, after ≥3 consecutive monthly loading doses, treatment intervals can be extended by 2 to 4 weeks up to 12 to 16 weeks. When disease activity recurs, the recommendation is to reinject and shorten intervals by 2 to 4 weeks until fluid resolution, after which treatment intervals can again be extended. Intraretinal fluid should be treated until resolved; however, persistent minimal subretinal fluid after consecutive treatments may be tolerated with treatment intervals maintained or extended if the clinical condition is stable.

CONCLUSIONS

T&E regimens are efficacious and safe for nAMD and PCV, can reduce the number of visits, and minimize the overall burden for clinicians and patients.

Changes in complement activation products after anti-VEGF injection for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration and pachychoroid disease

We evaluated changes in the complement system resulting from anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in eyes with age-related choroidal neovascularization (CNV) including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, pachychoroid neovasculopathy, and polypoidal choroidal neovasculopathy. We measured the concentrations of the complement activation products (C3a, C4a), VEGF, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in the aqueous humor during intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for CNV. The VEGF level decreased significantly (P < 0.001), while the C3a and C4a levels increased significantly (P < 0.001 for both comparisons) 1 month after two monthly anti-VEGF injections. The VEGF level was correlated with the C3a (R = 0.328, P = 0.007) and C4a (R = − 0.237, P = 0.055) levels at baseline, but the correlation between the VEGF and C3a levels (R = − 0.148, P = 0.242) changed significantly (P = 0.028 by analysis of covariance) after anti-VEGF treatment. The C3a increase after anti-VEGF therapy did not change the visual outcomes in eyes with CNV for 1 year. Dysregulation of the complement system can be induced after anti-VEGF therapy.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on neovascular AMD patients treated with treat-and-extend protocol

Purpose

To investigate the adherence rate of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients in treat-and-extend (TAE) protocol to their anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injection (IVI) appointments and to evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes of the patients who attended and did not attend their IVI appointments during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) restriction period (RP).

Methods

The patients with nAMD having IVI appointments between March 16 and June 1, 2020 (RP in Turkey) were included in this retrospective study. For adherence analysis, the patients who attended (Group 1, n = 44) and who did not attend (Group 2, n = 60) their IVI appointment visits during the RP (V_RP) were evaluated according to their last visit before the RP (V₀). For outcome analysis, the patients who attend V_RP and have follow-up (Group 1a, 46 eyes) and who did not attend V_RP but later attended for follow-up (Group 2a, 33 eyes) were evaluated for functional (best-corrected visual acuity, BCVA [logMAR]) and anatomical (optical coherence tomography [OCT] disease activity) outcomes at the first visit after RP (V₁) and last visit within six months after RP (V₂). Patients received a complete ophthalmologic evaluation with anti-VEGF (Aflibercept) IVI administration at all visits.

Results

The adherence rate of the patients to V_RP was 42.3% (44/104). The patients in Group 1 were significantly younger (mean ± SD years, 71.0 ± 8.1 vs. 74.7 ± 8.0, p = 0.024), had better median [IQR] BCVA at their first presentation (0.30 [0.54] vs. 0.61 [1.08], p = 0.023) and V₀ (0.40 [0.48] vs. 0.52 [0.70], p = 0.031), and had less hypertension (36.4% vs. 58.3%, p = 0.044) than Group 2. The mean ± SD delay of planned IVI at V_RP in Group 2a was 13.9 ± 6.2 weeks. Disease activity in OCT was significantly higher in Group 2a than Group 1a at V₁ (60.6% vs. 32.6%, p = 0.025). In Group 2a, the median (IQR) BCVA was significantly worse at V₁ (0.70 [0.58]) and V₂ (0.70 [0.59]) than V₀ (0.52 [0.40], p = 0.047 and p = 0.035, respectively).

Conclusions

More than half of the scheduled nAMD patients in TAE protocol missed their IVI visits during the RP, which resulted in a delay of their treatments. The delay of IVI treatment in those patients resulted in an increase in OCT disease activity and a decrease in BCVA.

Aflibercept in real-life for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration using a treat and extend protocol: The Armada study

PURPOSE

To report the visual and anatomic outcomes in treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients treated with aflibercept under a standardized Treat and Extend (T&E) protocol for up to 3 years of follow-up in "real-life" practice.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, multicenter study included patients with treatment-naïve nAMD and at least 12 months of follow-up. T&E regimen adjustment was initiated after loading phase. At each visit best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography parameters were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-six eyes of 115patients had at least 1 year of follow-up with 114 and 82 eyes completing at least 2 and 3 years of follow-up, respectively (mean follow-up duration: 2.7 ± 1.3 years). Mean age was 78.6 ± 8.6 years old and 52% were women. Mean BCVA increased from 60.6 ± 18.7 letters at diagnosis to 66.9 ± 16.2 letters at 1 year (+6.3 letters, p = 0.003) and remained stable throughout the follow-up period (63.1 ± 20.3 letters (+2.5, p = 0.1) and 64.0 ± 20.1 letters (+3.4, p = 0.27) at 2 and 3 years, respectively). The mean central retinal thickness decreased significantly from 358.2 ± 87.9 µm at baseline to 302 ± 71.7 µm at 12 months and maintained stable after 36 months of follow-up (297.1 ± 76 µm, p < 0.0001). Mean number of injections was 6.6 ± 2.2, 4.8 ± 1.9, and 5.6 ± 1.7 at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. Mean cumulative number of 16.4 ± 5.6 injections after 3 years. Mean treatment interval was 6.8 ± 2.5 weeks at 1 year. Eight-week and 12-week treatment interval were achieved in 59.5% and 19.1%, 65.8%, and 36.8% and 69.5% and 41.5% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that intravitreal injections of aflibercept initiated under a standardized T&E for patients with treatment-naïve nAMD allow for significant visual improvement at 12 months, which was maintained over a 3-year follow-up period.

[Antiangiogenic therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration]

The problem associated with the prevalence of retinal diseases, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in particular, is undoubtedly relevant. This aspect is based on steadily growing statistics on morbidity, a high number of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and published real world data (RWD). The analysis of RCT results being published by researchers on 15.05.19 showed 2915 studies were registered on the subject of retinal diseases; that exceeds the number of studies on glaucoma by approximately 1.38 times (2118 studies) and conjunctival lesions by 2.37 times (1230 studies). AMD is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss and blindness; its neovascular form leads to blindness in 80-90% of all cases. Even though the topic of nAMD therapy is widely highlighted in modern ophthalmology, today there are many aspects that require targeted solutions. The main controversial issues that determine the complexity of therapy and patient management include discrepancies in determination of reference points (disease activity criteria) for implementation of anti-VEGF dosing regimens, patients' compliance, prioritization issues in treatment, its continuity with potential for the increase of intervals between injections and monitoring visits.

Four-year outcome of aflibercept administration using a treat-and-extend regimen in eyes with recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the 4-year outcome of aflibercept treatment using a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen for recurrent neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

METHODS

Data of eyes with recurrent AMD previously treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents or photodynamic therapy and had started aflibercept treatment using a TAE regimen for the first time were collected. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intervals of treatments, the presence of exudation, central foveal thickness (CFT), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 47 consecutive eyes, 30 of the 47 eyes completed a 4-year follow-up. The mean BCVA (logMAR) was sustained over the 4 years (0.37 at baseline, 0.36 at 1 year, 0.36 at 2 years, 0.41 at 3 years, and 0.43 at 4 years, P = 0.21). Of the 30 eyes that completed the follow-up, BCVA of two eyes deteriorated by 0.3 logMAR or more at 4 years. At 4 years, 67% of eyes had extended treatment intervals to > 8 weeks, and 47% of eyes had extended intervals to > 12 weeks. Exudative changes in the macula, seen in all eyes at baseline, were only seen in 50% of the eyes at 4 years. The mean CFT and CCT decreased significantly at 4 years from 332 μm to 248 μm and from 218 μm to 183 μm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In clinical settings, aflibercept treatment using a TAE regimen may successfully maintain visual acuity for up to 4 years even in recurrent cases of AMD.

One-Year Results of a Treat-and-Extend Regimen of Intravitreal Aflibercept for Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

Introduction

To evaluate 1-year outcomes of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) using a treat-and-extend (TAE) regimen for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) and identify the factors for patients whose treatment intervals could be extended.

Methods

Fifty-one eyes of treatment-naïve PCV patients treated with IVA using a TAE regimen for at least 1 year were examined retrospectively. All patients received at least three IVA injections every 5 weeks, and the intervals were then extended by 2-week adjustments up to 13 weeks. When retinal exudation recurred, the patient was treated with the same regimen, but with a shortened interval of 5 weeks.

The main outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) as well as the treatment interval at 1 year.

Results

The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA improved from 0.24 ± 0.32 at baseline to 0.18 ± 0.31 at 12 months (p = 0.048). The mean CRT decreased from 350.3 ± 147.7 µm at baseline to 215.3 ± 75.0 µm at 4 months (p < 0.001), after which it was maintained at this level. At 12 months, the administration interval was 5 weeks in eight eyes (15.7%), 7 weeks in six eyes (11.8%), 9 weeks in two eyes (3.9%), 11 weeks in four eyes (7.8%), and 13 weeks in 31 eyes (60.8%). Female sex, a thinner CRT at 6 months, and absence of polypoidal lesions at 12 months were significant factors related to patients whose treatment intervals could be extended without recurrence to 13 weeks.

Conclusion

IVA using a TAE regimen improved visual and anatomical outcomes in eyes with PCV at 1 year using a protocol to adjust the injection intervals specifically for each patient so as to obtain no retinal exudation.