Aflibercept as primary treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularisation: a retrospective study

Safety and Efficacy of Brolucizumab in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, an electronic search was done to acquire all articles describing brolucizumab use in patients with DME and DR. The review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022382625). Collected articles were filtered through two stages by independent reviewers. Data were extracted from the included articles and then analyzed accordingly.

RESULTS

Brolucizumab induced significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity and was either better or non-inferior to other types of anti-VEGF (MD -0.64 mu, 95% CI [-1.15, -0.13], P = .01); the same observation was noted with regards to central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) (MD -138.6 mu, 95% CI [-151.9, -125.3], P = .00001). Brolucizumab was reported to be relatively safe for use in diabetic patients, with few adverse events observed, with a higher frequency of adverse events in relation to the 3 mg dose compared to the 6 mg dose.

CONCLUSION

Brolucizumab is a new drug that has potential advantages in efficacy over other anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of DME and DR. It showed significant improvement in BCVA and CSMT with the possibility of a lower dosing schedule compared to other agents. Although observed in low frequency, sight-threatening adverse effects appear to occur more frequently compared to other anti-VEGF agents. The main observed adverse event was retinal vasculitis which was seen more commonly with the 3 mg dose versus the 6 mg dose.

High‑dose aflibercept injection has striking effects on myopic choroidal neovascularization

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the 1-year outcomes of a high-dose aflibercept injection [4 mg 2+ pro re nata (PRN) scheme] for individuals with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV) through optical coherence tomography (OCT) follow-ups. A total of 16 consecutive patients (7 males and 9 females; sixteen eyes) with mCNV were enrolled in this retrospective study. The mean age was 30.5±3.35 years and mean spherical equivalent was -7.31±0.90 D. Subjects received 4 mg aflibercept intravitreal injection on the day of diagnosis and 35 days later. Further injections of aflibercept were required when the following were detected by OCT and fluorescein angiography: i) Decrease in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); ii) aggravation of metamorphopsia; iii) macular oedema; iv) macular haemorrhage; v) increase in retinal thickness; and vi) leakage. Ophthalmic examination and OCT were performed at the baseline, as well as at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months after the initial aflibercept injection. BCVA and central retinal thickness (CRT) were evaluated at each follow-up. The results showed that the vision of all subjects improved following the aflibercept intravitreal injection. The mean BCVA improved from 0.35±0.15 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) at the baseline to 0.12±0.05 logMAR at final follow-up (P<0.05). A reduction in metamorphopsia was observed and the mean CRT was reduced from 345.38±34.69 µm of pre-treatment levels to 222.75±8.98 µm at the last postoperative visit (P<0.05). The mean number of injections in the present study was 2.13±0.5. Out of all patients, 13 received two injections and 3 subjects received three injections. The mean follow-up was 13.41±1.17 months. Based on the outcomes, it was found that an intravitreal injection of high-dose aflibercept (4 mg 2+PRN scheme) is effective for vision improvement and stabilization. In addition, it also significantly alleviated metamorphopsia and reduced the CRT in patients treated with mCNV. During the follow-up, the eyesight of the patients was stable.

Result of intravitreal aflibercept injection for myopic choroidal neovascularization

Background

The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept injections as the primary treatment for subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was further used for some patients to detect the changes of CNV after treatment.

Methods

In the present study, 21 treatment-naive eyes of 21 patients with subfoveal/juxtafoveal myopic CNV received primary intravitreal aflibercept injections and were under follow-up for a minimum duration of 12 months. Among the 21 patients, 12 underwent OCTA to evaluate the changes in central foveal thickness, selected CNV area, and flow area.

Results

The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) pertaining to all the patients significantly improved from the baseline value of 0.7 to 0.3 logMAR after treatment for 12 months (P = 0.001). However, the improvements in the median BCVA after treatment for three and 12 months were not statistically significant in the younger group (< 50 years), compared to the older group (≥ 50 years). One aflibercept injection resolved the CNV in 47.6% (10/21) of the patients. The younger group displayed greater improvement in the median central foveal thickness, compared to the older group.

OCTA revealed interlacing or disorganized pattern at the level of the outer retinal layer in 12 subjects with myopic CNV. After 3 months of treatment, both groups displayed a decrease in the size of the selected CNV area and flow area. The interlacing group displayed a trend towards better anatomical improvements.

Conclusion

Intravitreal aflibercept injection provides long-term improvement in visual acuity in patients with myopic CNV. Eyes with the interlacing pattern on OCTA displayed a greater decrease in size and flow after aflibercept injection.

Trial registration

Before data collection, written informed consent was obtained from each participant, whose identity information was protected by encryption and conversion to a non-identifiable format and removing data links. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (KSVGH21-CT1–17).

A Review of Aflibercept Treatment for Macular Disease

Aflibercept is a fully human recombinant fusion protein that includes the second domain of human VEGF receptor 1 and the third domain of human VEGF receptor 2. Despite the important role played by VEGF in maintaining the physiological condition of the retina under normal conditions, dysregulation of VEGF can result in pathological alterations including hyperpermeability of the retinal capillaries and migration and proliferation of retinal endothelial cells. Over the years, a number of studies have evaluated the use of intravitreal aflibercept in different retinal diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize the scientific evidence and recommendations for use of intravitreal aflibercept in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, macular oedema associated with retinal vein occlusion, and myopic choroidal neovascularization.

Safety review of anti-VEGF therapy in patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization

INTRODUCTION

Anti-angiogenesis therapy with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents is now the standard-of-care treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

AREAS COVERED

We provide a critical review of the safety of all the anti-VEGF agents currently used for treating myopic CNV including ranibizumab, aflibercept, conbercept, bevacizumab, and ziv-aflibercept.

EXPERT OPINION

Anti-VEGF therapy for myopic CNV with the currently available anti-VEGF drugs generally have favorable safety outcomes in the short-term. Nonetheless, ocular adverse events following anti-VEGF therapy for myopic CNV may develop and these include worsening or new development of myopic traction maculopathy, increased risk of retinal detachment, and progression of chorioretinal atrophy. Clinicians should be aware of these potential complications and evaluate them before and after anti-VEGF therapy.

Real-World Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy Outcomes in Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

Aim

Evaluation of real-world outcomes of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in the primary treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis of treatment naive patients with myopic CNV who received treatment with either intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept over a 12-year period from September 2007 to May 2020 was performed. Baseline features, treatment factors and outcomes were compared between younger and older patients and final visual outcome was assessed for associated factors.

Results

Thirty-seven eyes of 36 patients (24 females, 12 males) were included. Mean age was 58 years (range=26–89 years). Of these patients, 11/36 (31%) were ≤50 years of age and 25/36 (69%) were ≥51 years of age. Seventy-three percent (27/37) of eyes were phakic. One patient received bilateral treatment for myopic CNV. Median spherical equivalent was −8.50 diopters. Seventy percent (26/37) of eyes commenced primary treatment with ranibizumab, and 11/37 (30%) eyes commenced treatment with aflibercept. There were no significant differences between treatment factors and outcomes of younger and older patients. Median number of injections was 3 over a median follow-up period of 24.6 months. Mean CRT decreased by 126μm and median visual improvement was +6 letters. Analysis showed that younger age (p=0.022) and fewer injections (p=0.004) were associated with better visual outcomes.

Conclusion

Myopic CNV requires less frequent anti-VEGF intravitreal therapy over a shorter follow-up period than both neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. Increased frequency of administration of intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment did not improve vision. Younger age is associated with a better final visual outcome. These findings may help to advise patients about the prognosis of treatment and help guide treatment decisions.

Anti-VEGF Therapy in Myopic CNV

In this narrative-review, we report the most recent data from the literature of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV). Myopic CNV is the most frequent sight-threatening complication of pathologic myopia. The natural course of mCNV can result in expanding macular atrophy and /or fibrosis, leading to irreversible visual loss after 5 years. Retinal multimodal imaging is mandatory for early diagnosis and monitoring of the disease during treatment. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment option for mCNV. Prompt treatment of active mCNV with intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy has been demonstrated to be effective in terms of visual outcome improvements reducing the occurrence of late-stage complications.

Intravitreal conbercept for choroidal neovascularisation secondary to pathological myopia in a real-world setting in China : Intravitreal conbercept was safe and effective in treating myopic choroidal neovascularization

Background

To evaluate the 12-month efficacy and safety of intravitreal conbercept for myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).

Methods

A retrospective, observational study. Thirty-four eyes of 34 pathologic myopic patients with CNV were treated with intravitreal conbercept (IVC) 0.5 mg with a follow up of 12 months. After the first injection, administration of conbercept followed a pro re nata (PRN) regimen. Outcomes included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), CNV size, the total number of treatments, and adverse events.

Results

The mean patient age was 55.88 ± 16.17 years, and the mean eye spherical equivalent was − 8.72 ± 3.75 D. The mean number of IVC over 12 months was 2.12 ± 0.69. Overall, best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)improved from 0.86 ± 0.33 logMAR at baseline to 0.44 ± 0.32 logMAR at month 12 (p < 0.001), mean improvement of vision was 4.12 ± 2.69 lines. Mean central retinal thickness reduced from 285.9 ± 104.6 µm at baseline to 192.1 ± 97.5 µm at month 12 (p < 0.001). Mean CNV size decreased from 0.52 ± 0.38 mm² at baseline to 0.31 ± 0.19 mm² at 12 months (p < 0.05). All the 34 eyes had reduced or stable size of CNV. Thirty-two eyes (94.12 %) showed the absence of CNV leakage at the end of the study period. No severe systemic or ocular adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Intravitreal conbercept 0.5 mg was safe and effective for treatment of myopic CNV over 12 months in a real-world setting.

Three-year real-world outcomes of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapies in patients affected by myopic choroidal neovascularization

Purpose:

To describe real world data in patients affected by myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) and to compare our results with previous studies and clinical trials.

Methods:

This retrospective monocentric cohort study analyzed 96 eyes of 96 myopic-CNV patients treated with an anti-VEGF pro-re-nata regimen over a 3-year-long follow up period. Aflibercept and Ranibizumab were considered as first-line agents whereas Bevacizumab was reserved on a compassionate basis in patients outside the criteria for treatment. All patients underwent a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) recording at each follow up visit.

Results:

Our data showed that all three molecules produced significant improvements in BCVA at year 1, with no significant differences between the three drugs. Moreover, during the second year of treatment, Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab showed a significant improvement in the visual function. However, at year 3 of treatment, the data available indicated the BCVA improvement was not significant with Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab. In addition, no significant difference in the average number of injections between the three groups was detected over the follow up period. No serious adverse events were recorded, but five minor adverse events documented.

Conclusion:

Our study correlates with previous studies showing significant BCVA gains with the use of these molecules. Similarly, all three molecules seem to provide a similar duration of effects as previous studies have shown, with a low ocular adverse event rate.

Pilot study of ziv-aflibercept in myopic choroidal neovascularisation patients

Background

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the most common sight-threatening complication associated with high myopia. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of the intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept in patients with myopic CNV.

Methods

This prospective interventional study was conducted on 20 eyes of 20 patients with active myopic CNV. Twelve patients were 40 years or older. This study was performed in the Ophthalmology Department of Tanta University Eye Hospital, Tanta University, Egypt. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed for all patients at baseline and monthly after injection during the 6-month follow up period. The main outcome measures were changes in BCVA and CMT. The exploratory outcome measures were CNV size, IOP and the number of injections needed in each age group during the study period.

Results

Patients with myopic CNV younger than 40 years needed fewer injections (2.00 ± 0.76) than patients older than 40 years (2.50 ± 1.00), with no statistical significance detected between the two groups (p-value 0.246). CNV was smaller in the younger age group (p-value 0.209), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly in the younger and older age groups (p-values 0.001 and 0.028, respectively), and central macular thickness (CMT) decreased significantly after 6 months, from 242.88 ± 23.83 μm to 191.13 ± 13.83 μm in the younger age group and from 251.33 ± 26.60 μm to 197.08 ± 17.64 μm in the older age group (p = 0.001). No significant correlation was found between the final BCVA and either the spherical equivalent or central macular thickness after 6 months, with p-values of 0.135 and 0.145, respectively. No significant changes in IOP were detected in either group after the intravitreal injection.

Conclusion

Ziv-aflibercept is a highly effective and safe drug in cases of active myopic CNV; however, a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up period are needed to confirm our results.

This study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT04290195) on 26-2-2020.

The Evaluation of a Two-Year Outcome of Intravitreal Conbercept versus Ranibizumab for Pathological Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the 24-month follow-up results of intravitreal conbercept with ranibizumab in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), secondary to pathological myopia (PM). Methods: Fifty-nine patients' 64 eyes with pathological myopic CNV were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-one eyes underwent conbercept treatment (group C) and 33 eyes underwent ranibizumab treatment (group R), respectively. No patients have received any treatment before. The main outcome of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) uses an international standard visual acuity chart and is converted to the minimum resolution logarithm (LogMAR) visual acuity. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups at the baseline statisticlly. At 24 months, the mean logMAR BCVA of group C increased from 0.95 ± 0.54 to 0.58 ± 0.39 (P < .001) and the mean central macular thickness (CMT) decreased from 280.97 ± 62.69 μm to 242.35 ± 90.39 μm (P = .033). The mean logMAR BCVA of group R increased from 0.86 ± 0.40 to 0.54 ± 0.28 (P < .001) and the mean CMT was reduced from 303.58 ± 61.95 μm to 251.82 ± 84.74 μm (P = .005). There was no significant difference in logMAR BCVA and CMT between the two groups (P = .962, P = .667, respectively). The mean number of injections was 3.94 ± 1.88 in group C and 4.06 ± 1.82 in group R (P = .788). During the follow-up period, no ocular complications and systemic adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: Similar visual acuity and improved morphology were achieved in both groups. The two drugs were also found to be safe and effective in the treatment of pathological myopic CNV.

Prevalence and Phenotypes of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Eyes With High Myopia

Purpose

To analyze the frequency and phenotypic variation of AMD in subjects with high myopia (HM), and to describe the clinical course and response to treatment of neovascularization (NV).

Methods

Patients with HM were identified at five retina tertiary referral centers. Inclusion criteria were myopic patients aged 55 years or more with axial lengths equal or greater than 25.5 mm.

Results

A total of 874 eyes from 442 HM subjects older than 55 years were identified and 104 eyes of 54 patients (72 ± 11 years) were included in the study and followed up for 23.5 ± 19.5 months. The estimated AMD frequency in HM subjects over 55 years was 11.9% (95% confidence interval; 9.8%-14.0%). A total of 34 of 104 eyes were diagnosed with drusen, 22 with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), 28 with both drusen and RPD, and 20 with geographic atrophy. Neovascularization was detected in 52 eyes (50%), and type 1 was the most frequent form (39 eyes, 75%). Overall, NV was treated with 4.6 ± 2.6 anti-VEGF injections. Eyes with treatment-naïve NV at baseline (n = 34) required 3.8 ± 1.5 anti-VEGF injections during the first year of treatment. This exceeded the injection number in the purely myopic population (1.8 to 3.6 injections for the first year).

Conclusions

This study provides evidence to suggest that older patients with HM are at a significant risk of the dry and neovascular forms of AMD. NV in eyes with HM and AMD required more injections in the first year compared to NV in HM eyes without AMD.

Myopic maculopathy: Current status and proposal for a new classification and grading system (ATN)

Myopia is a highly frequent ocular disorder worldwide and pathologic myopia is the 4th most common cause of irreversible blindness in developed countries. Pathologic myopia is especially common in East Asian countries. Ocular alterations associated with pathologic myopia, especially those involving the macular area-defined as myopic maculopathy-are the leading causes of vision loss in patients with pathologic myopia. High myopia is defined as the presence of a highly negative refractive error (>-6 to -8 diopters) in the context of eye elongation (26-26.5 mm). Although the terms high myopia and pathologic myopia are often used interchangeably, they do not refer to the same eye disease. The two key factors driving the development of pathologic myopia are: 1) elongation of the axial length and 2) posterior staphyloma. The presence of posterior staphyloma, which is the most common finding in patients with pathologic myopia, is the key differentiating factor between high and pathologic myopia. The occurrence of staphyloma will, in most cases, eventually lead to other conditions such as atrophic, traction, or neovascular maculopathy. Posterior staphyloma is for instance, responsible for the differences between a myopic macular hole (MH)-with and without retinal detachment-and idiopathic MH. Posterior staphyloma typically induces retinal layer splitting, leading to foveoschisis in myopic MH, an important differentiating factor between myopic and emmetropic MH. Myopic maculopathy is a highly complex disease and current classification systems do not fully account for the numerous changes that occur in the macula of these patients. Therefore, a more comprehensive classification system is needed, for several important reasons. First, to more precisely define the disease stage to improve follow-up by enabling clinicians to more accurately monitor changes over time, which is essential given the progressive nature of this condition. Second, unification of the currently-available classification systems would establish standardized classification criteria that could be used to compare the findings from international multicentric studies. Finally, a more comprehensive classification system could help to improve our understanding of the genetic origins of this disease, which is clearly relevant given the interchangeable-but erroneous-use of the terms high and pathologic myopia in genetic research.

Pharmacotherapy of Myopic Choroidal Neovascularization

BACKGROUND

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common cause of central visual loss in patients with high myopia, and the most common form of CNV in younger individuals. Pharmacologic therapy is the current mainstay of treatment of these patients.

METHODS

Review of pharmacological treatment options for myopic CNV, which primarily involves intravitreal administration of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents.

RESULTS

At this time, anti-VEGF therapy agents are the first-line therapy in these patients. Comparative trials have not identified any major differences in treatment outcomes between aflibercept, bevacizumab, and ranibizumab. Only ranibizumab is approved for this indication in the US. Best visual outcomes are associated with younger age, smaller lesion size, and absence of chorioretinal atrophy.

CONCLUSION

Anti-VEGF therapy is generally very effective in the treatment of myopic CNV.

Intravitreal aflibercept versus bevacizumab for treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization

The authors performed a retrospective and comparative study to compare the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept and bevacizumab for patients with myopic choroidal neovascularization (mCNV). The patients with treatment-naïve mCNV received 1 + PRN intravitreal bevacizumab from March 2008 to February 2013, while from March 2013 to July 2016 patients were treated by 1 + PRN intravitreal aflibercept, all with monthly follow-up for 12 months. Primary outcome measures included change in central foveal thickness (CFT) in 1 mm by spectral-domain optic coherence tomography, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at month 12. Complications after injections were recorded. The intra-group changes in CFT and BCVA were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test, the between-group difference compared with Wilcoxon rank sum test. Fisher's exact test was used for categorical comparison between groups. Seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients were collected. There were 42 eyes in bevacizumab group, with mean age of 53.2 ± 5.4 years and 27 female patients of them. The mean BCVA significantly improved from baseline 0.56 ± 0.35 logMAR to 0.35 ± 0.35 logMAR at Month 12 after bevacizumab treatment (p < 0.001). The mean CFT significantly decreased from baseline 315.3 ± 25.6 μm to 253.7 ± 24.4 μm at Month 12 following intravitreal bevacizumab (p < 0.001). There were 36 eyes in aflibercept group, with mean age of 52.8 ± 6.8 years and 24 female patients of them. The mean BCVA significantly improved from baseline 0.61 ± 0.47 logMAR to 0.38 ± 0.41 logMAR at Month 12 after aflibercept treatment (p < 0.001). The mean CFT significantly decreased from baseline 328.2 ± 19.8 μm to 241.8 ± 27.2 μm at Month 12 following intravitreal aflibercept (p < 0.001). The baseline demographics, lens status, axial length, refractive errors, duration of symptoms, BCVA, and CFT did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between bevacizumab and aflibercept groups in BCVA and CFT from Month 1 to Month 12 (p > 0.05). Injection number of aflibercept was 2.11 ± 0.41, less than that of bevacizumab (3.23 ± 0.38) during 12-month period (p = 0.01). There were no systemic thromboembolic event, elevated intraocular pressure, retinal detachment, or infectious endophthalmitis following injections in both groups. We concluded that both aflibercept and bevacizumab can effectively treat choroidal neovascularization in high myopes. Intravitreal aflibercept had similar efficacy but less treatment number than bevacizumab for mCNV during 12-month period.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF RANIBIZUMAB FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION DUE TO UNCOMMON CAUSE: Twelve-Month Results of the MINERVA Study

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Ranibizumab was effective in treating choroidal neovascularization of various etiologies, with a treatment effect of +9.9 letters versus sham at Month 2 and a mean gain of 11.0 letters from baseline to Month 12. The beneficial effects of ranibizumab were observed across all etiology subgroups.

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ranibizumab 0.5 mg in adult patients with choroidal neovascularization because of an uncommon cause enrolled in the 12-month MINERVA study.

Methods:

In this Phase III, double-masked study, adult (≥18 years) patients (N = 178) were randomized 2:1 to receive either ranibizumab (n = 119) or sham (n = 59) at baseline and, if needed, at Month 1 and open-label individualized ranibizumab from Month 2. Best-corrected visual acuity change from baseline to Month 2 (primary endpoint) and Month 12, treatment exposure, and safety over 12 months were reported. Subgroup analysis was conducted on five predefined choroidal neovascularization etiologies (angioid streak, postinflammatory, central serous chorioretinopathy, idiopathic, and miscellaneous).

Results:

Ranibizumab showed superior efficacy versus sham from baseline to Month 2 (adjusted least-squares mean best-corrected visual acuity: +9.5 vs. −0.4 letters; P < 0.001). At Month 12, the mean best-corrected visual acuity change was +11.0 letters (ranibizumab) and +9.3 letters (sham). Across the 5 subgroups, the treatment effect ranged from +5.0 to +14.6 letters. The mean number of ranibizumab injections was 5.8 (ranibizumab arm) with no new ocular or nonocular adverse events.

Conclusion:

Ranibizumab 0.5 mg resulted in clinically significant treatment effect versus sham at Month 2. Overall, ranibizumab was effective in treating choroidal neovascularization of various etiologies with no new safety findings.

Intravitreal Ziv-Aflibercept: Clinical Effects and Economic Impact

During the past decade, drugs that inhibit the actions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have become standard-of-care treatment for a variety of chorioretinal vascular conditions. The off-label, intravitreal use of ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap) has provided clinicians with an additional cost-effective drug. The commercial preparation of ziv-aflibercept contains the same aflibercept (VEGF-trap) molecule as Eylea but has a much higher osmolarity (1000 mOsm/kg vs 300 mOsm/kg). Initial concerns regarding cytotoxicity and long-term safety of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept have been largely negated after a series of publications failed to identify adverse ocular and systemic side effects. Both treatment-naive and anti-VEGF‒resistant cases of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) may respond as well to ziv-aflibercept as to aflibercept. A higher dose of ziv-aflibercept (2 mg in 0.08 mL) does not cause any adverse effects during short-term follow-up period (1 month). Data from various sources suggest that ziv-aflibercept may be as cost effective as bevacizumab, thereby making it an attractive treatment option in low- and middle-income countries. However, problems with off-label use, compounding, and counterfeiting limit its availability in many countries. Data from prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trials are still required to convince physicians and regulatory bodies of its clinical efficacy and potential as early therapy.

Intravitreal bevacizumab monotherapy in myopic choroidal neovascularisation: 5-year outcomes for the PAN-American Collaborative Retina Study Group

PURPOSE

To report the long-term anatomical and visual outcomes of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) monotherapy in naive choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) caused by myopia.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of naive CNV secondary to myopia that underwent antivascular endothelial growth factor monotherapy was performed. Collected data included demographic details, clinical examination details including visual acuity at presentation and follow-up with imaging and treatment details. Main outcome measures were resolution of CNV activity at the last visit. Secondary outcomes included change in visual acuity, number of injections and adverse events.

RESULTS

Thirty-three eyes of 31 subjects with a mean age of 51.48±16.4 years were included. The mean follow-up was 66.47 months. 27 eyes had type 2 CNV and the rest seven eyes had type 1 CNV. The mean number of IVB injections per eye was 4.9. Mean visual acuity at baseline reduced from 0.65±0.33 logMAR units (Snellen equivalent=20/89) to 0.73±0.50 logMAR units (20/107) at final follow-up (p=0.003). The mean central macular thickness decreased from 309.31±86 µm at baseline to 267.5±70.89 µm at the last visit (p=0.03). However, visual acuity was maintained (±1 line of baseline) in 13 eyes (39.4%), ≥2 line improvement in nine (27.3%) eyes and more than two lines worsening in 11 eyes (33.3%). Foveal atrophy was observed at baseline and last visit in 6 (12.5%) and 14 (29.1%), respectively (p=0.007). No systemic adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

IVB monotherapy is safe and effective for long-term treatment of CNV secondary to myopia in real life.

Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor use and treatment approach for choroidal neovascularization secondary to pathologic myopia

INTRODUCTION

Myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the most common cause of CNV in those under 50 years of age. It is a significant cause of visual loss in those with pathologic myopia. The current standard of care involves therapy with intravitreal inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

AREAS COVERED

The epidemiology of myopia, high myopia, pathologic myopia, and myopic CNV is reviewed, along with a brief discussion of historical treatments. The pharmacology of the three most commonly used anti-VEGF agents is discussed, with an emphasis on the licensed drugs, ranibizumab and aflibercept. A comprehensive clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment of myopic CNV is presented.

EXPERT OPINION

The current standard of care for myopic CNV is intravitreal inhibition of VEGF, with ranibizumab and aflibercept licensed for intraocular use. The diagnosis, OCT features of disease activity and retreatment algorithm for myopic CNV is different from wet age-related macular degeneration. In the long-term, myopic CNV may be associated with gradual, irreversible visual loss due to progressive chorioretinal atrophy, for which there is currently no treatment.