Verteporfin therapy in combination with triamcinolone: published studies investigating a potential synergistic effect

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone for choroidal neovascularization due to angioid streaks

PURPOSE

To report the visual outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to angioid streaks (AS).

METHODS

Five eyes of five consecutive patients (mean age 45 +/- 10 years) with CNV secondary to AS were treated by combination of PDT and IVTA. TA (4 mg/0.1 mL) was injected 7 days before PDT.

RESULTS

All patients completed the 12-month follow-up. CNV was subfoveal in three cases and extrafoveal in two. Median best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.3 LogMAR (70 letters) at baseline (range 1.3-0.1), and 0.5 LogMAR (60 letters) at the final examination (range 1.0-0.1). At 12 months, one patient had severe visual deterioration, with a loss of seven lines of VA; Two patients lost up to three lines. One patient had no change in BCVA and the fifth gained nine lines of VA. Two patients received one further combination of PDT and IVTA after the first combination treatment. All eyes showed the CNV closure at the 12-month follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination of PDT and IVTA may reduce the need for retreatment and could be potentially useful for preserving vision in some patients with CNV due to AS.

Verteporfin PDT for subfoveal occult CNV in AMD: two-year results of a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) can safely reduce the risk of vision loss in patients with subfoveal occult with no classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eligible patients were > or =50 years of age with lesion size < or =6 disc areas and best-corrected vision 20/40-20/200. A total of 364 patients with occult with no classic CNV were randomly assigned 2 : 1 to verteporfin PDT (n = 244) or placebo (n = 120). The primary outcome measures were loss of > or =15 and > or =30 letters of visual acuity (VA) from baseline at 12 and 24 months.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on 20 July 2005. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00121407.

RESULTS

A total of 37% and 47% of verteporfin-treated patients versus 45% and 53% of placebo recipients lost > or =15 letters of VA at month 12 and month 24, respectively; 16% and 23% of verteporfin-treated patients versus 17% and 25% of placebo recipients lost > or =30 letters at month 12 and month 24, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. Four (1.6%) verteporfin-treated patients and one placebo patient (who received verteporfin in error) experienced an acute severe VA decrease; all five patients recovered some degree of vision. No unexpected ocular or systemic adverse events were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Verteporfin PDT in the treatment of occult with no classic CNV was safe and well-tolerated. The differences between the two groups in the primary efficacy variables were not significant. Baseline characteristics and patient selection methods may have contributed to the small treatment effect.

Age-related macular degeneration: current treatments

Purpose:

Although important progress has been made in understanding age-related macular degeneration (AMD), management of the disease continues to be a challenge. AMD research has led to a widening of available treatment options and improved prognostic perspectives. This essay reviews these treatment options.

Design:

Interpretative essay.

Methods:

Literature review and interpretation.

Results:

Current treatments to preserve vision in patients with non-exudative AMD include antioxidant vitamins and mineral supplementations. Exudative AMD is currently most often treated monthly with anti-VEGF intravitreal injections. However, investigators are beginning to experiment with combination therapy and surgical approaches in an attempt to limit the number of treatment and reduce the financial burden on the health care system.

Conclusion:

By better understanding the basis and pathogenesis of AMD, newer therapies will continue to be developed that target specific pathways in patients with AMD, with the hoped for outcome of better management of the disease and improved visual acuity.

Verteporfin combination regimens in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration is characterized by choroidal neovascularization that has a complex pathogenesis. Combining agents that have different mechanisms of action (i.e., verteporfin photodynamic therapy, antivascular endothelial growth factor, and/or anti-inflammatory therapies) could maximize clinical benefits through potential complementary effects. This review discusses findings from studies investigating this hypothesis.

METHODS

Articles were retrieved from PubMed using relevant search terms. Abstracts from recent scientific meetings and details of ongoing trials from clinicaltrials.gov were also included.

RESULTS

Following its approval, verteporfin was important in the management of choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration for several years. Improved visual outcomes have now been reported with antiangiogenic agents (e.g., intravitreal ranibizumab), especially when frequently administered. Results from investigator-sponsored trials, retrospective case studies and Registries, which have provided insights into the latest findings from clinical practice in the "real-world" setting, as well as randomized controlled trials, suggest that a combination approach is generally well tolerated and may maintain improvements in visual and anatomic outcomes with fewer retreatments.

CONCLUSION

A rationale exists for investigating combination approaches to target different processes in choroidal neovascularization pathogenesis, which may optimize treatment benefits in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Encouraging data suggest that combination strategies are not associated with major adverse events.

Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin in age-related macular degeneration: a systematic review of efficacy, safety, treatment modifications and pharmacoeconomic properties

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin has been used less comprehensively in the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and specifically of choroidal neovascularization (CNV), since the advent of antiangiogenic therapies. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in PDT as an adjunct to these and other agents in the treatment of neovascular AMD. In light of this new development and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency's (EMEA) recent labelling decision to rescind approval for the use of PDT in occult CNV lesions, the present systematic review was undertaken to revisit the evidence supporting its clinical application. Photodynamic therapy provided the first pharmacological treatment for patients suffering from subfoveal CNV, the major cause of severe vision loss in AMD. Key clinical trials evaluating efficacy and safety have examined patients with all lesion subtypes, with the primary labelled indication (i.e. lesions containing a classic component of > or = 50% ) deriving from the results of the Treatment of Age-related Macular Degeneration with Photodynamic Therapy (TAP) Study. The subsequent TAP Study Group post hoc categorization of lesions as predominantly classic is open to question, however, as it appears that the overall efficacy in this group only may have reflected the especially strong response in 100% classic lesions. Based on a subgroup analysis of the Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy Study, the indication for PDT subsequently was expanded in some jurisdictions, including that of the EMEA, to include occult lesions with no classic component. However, the subsequent Visudyne in Occult Study found no benefit in 100% occult lesions, resulting in the EMEA rescinding its approval for this indication.

Macrophages in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: friends or foes?

The events that lead to choroidal neovascularization in eyes with age-related macular degeneration are poorly understood. One possibility that has been explored in a number of studies is that macrophages can promote neovascular changes. In this paper, we summarize the evidence for inflammation in general and macrophages in particular in pathologic neovascularization, and discuss how the diverse functions of these cells may promote or inhibit macular disease. We also discuss some of the conflicting findings regarding the role of macrophages in experimental choroidal neovascularization in mouse models, and suggest areas for future research.

[Photodynamic therapy of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization]

INTRODUCTION

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a method of treatment of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with a diode laser used after intravenously administered verteporfin. Verteporfin is a light-activated drug initiating photochemical reactions in the target tissue. This leads to the selective occlusion of blood vessels in the CNV with no damage of photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium and retinal blood vessels.

OBJECTIVE

To show the results of the treatment of predominantly classic subfoveal CNV with PDT with verteporfin used for the first time in our country.

METHOD

From 2003 to 2005, we treated 15 eyes in 15 patients using PDT and verteporfin, because of predominantly classic subfoveal CNV. If macular oedema was present as proved by fluorescein angiography, triamcinolone was administered intravitreally after FDT. Average follow-up period was 7 months (3 months to 2 years).

STUDY DESIGN

retrospective, noncomparative, consecutive case series.

RESULTS

Two thirds of patients had CNV due to AMD, while in others it was caused by pathologic myopia, chorioretinitis, angioid streaks, choroidal hemangioma, except for one patient who had idiopathic CNV. Visual acuity was stabile in 60% (9/15) of patients, of whom in 60% (6/10) of patients with AMD, as well as in patients with pathologic myopia, idiopathic CNV and choroidal hemangioma. Retreatment with PDT was indicated in 40% (6/15) and in 50% (5/10) of patients with AMD, mostly 4-6 months after first PDT, but was done only in one patient (economic reasons). In two patients with AMD, triamcinolone was administered intravitreally for 2-4 months, which resulted in the stabilization of visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

Visual acuity was stabile in 60% of all treated patients with predominantly classic subfoveal CNV after only one application of PDT with verteporfin during the average follow-up of 7 months (3 months to 2 years). Retreatment was indicated in 40% of the treated patients, and in 50% of patients with AMD. As confirmed, intravitreal administration of triamcinolone after PDT could stabilize visual acuity. Side effects were not noticed.

Triple therapy for choroidal neovascularization due to age-related macular degeneration: verteporfin PDT, bevacizumab, and dexamethasone

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of triple therapy with verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT), dexamethasone, and bevacizumab in choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

This prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series included 104 patients. Verteporfin PDT was administered with a reduced light dose (42 J/cm, accomplished by light delivery time of 70 seconds). Approximately 16 hours after PDT, dexamethasone (800 microg) and bevacizumab (1.5 mg) were injected intravitreally. Patients attended follow-up visits every 6 weeks, undergoing visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurement, slit-lamp and ophthalmoscopic examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Fluorescein angiography was performed every 3 months or earlier if OCT showed significant edema.

RESULTS

All 104 patients received one triple therapy cycle (5 patients received a second triple treatment due to remaining CNV activity). The triple therapy was complemented in 18 patients (17.3%) by an additional intravitreal injection of bevacizumab. The mean follow-up period was 40 weeks (range, 22-60 weeks). Mean increase in visual acuity was 1.8 lines (P < 0.01). Mean decrease in retinal thickness was 182 microm (P < 0.01). No serious adverse events have been observed.

CONCLUSION

In most patients with CNV due to AMD, triple therapy results in significant and sustained visual acuity improvement after only one cycle of treatment. In addition, the therapy offers a good safety profile, potentially lower cost compared with therapies that must be administered more frequently, and convenience for patients.

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy and anti-angiogenic drugs: potential for combination therapy in exudative age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To discuss the rationale for combining anti-angiogenic treatment with verteporfin (Visudyne) photodynamic therapy in the management of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and evaluate available evidence for the therapeutic benefits of such approaches.

SCOPE

The Medline and EMBASE databases were searched in October 2006 to retrieve relevant articles. Additional articles were obtained from the reference lists of retrieved articles, as well as from recent scientific meetings and company websites.

FINDINGS

Treatments for CNV due to AMD can be directed at either the vascular component of CNV (the new vessels that proliferate and leak blood and fluid) or the angiogenic component that leads to the development of the condition. Verteporfin targets the vascular component, whereas anti-angiogenic agents (such as pegaptanib and ranibizumab) target key mediators of the angiogenic cascade. The different mechanisms of action of these approaches offer the potential for additive or synergistic effects with combination therapy. In addition, anti-angiogenic agents might counteract upregulation of angiogenic factors (including VEGF) that occur after verteporfin photodynamic therapy. Results from preclinical and clinical studies of the combination of ranibizumab or pegaptanib with verteporfin warrant continued investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of anti-angiogenic agents in combination with verteporfin may have the potential to improve visual outcomes and reduce the number of treatments in eyes with CNV due to AMD, and requires further evaluation in randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Traitement simultané par photothérapie dynamique et triamcinolone intravitréenne des néovaisseaux associés à un décollement de l’épithélium pigmentaire

OBJECTIVE

To assess the advantages of a treatment combining dynamic phototherapy with intravitreally injected Kenacort (triamcinolone acetonide) administered on the same day for choroidal neovascularization with pigment epithelium detachment in age-related macular degeneration.

METHOD

This prospective study involved 24 patients (26 eyes) with pigment epithelium detachment. Each patient underwent dynamic phototherapy according to standard parameters, followed 2 h later by intravitreal injection of 4 mg Kenacort (triamcinolone acetonide) performed in the operating room. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed with an ETDRS vision test and optical coherence tomography before the operation and again 1, 3, and 6 months later.

RESULTS

The group of 24 patients (26 eyes) included 17 women and seven men whose mean age was 77 years (+/-6). In half of the cases, it was the second eye affected by age-related macular degeneration. Major inflammatory reaction following intravitreal injection was resolved within 24 h by local anti-inflammatory treatment. Baseline visual acuity was 40 characters on the ETDRS (+/-15) and final vision was significantly improved to 43 characters (+/-19) after 3 months. Three patients (12%) had their vision improved by more than three lines. For 19 patients (79%), the treatment eliminated pigment epithelium detachment after 1 month, with no recurrence.

DISCUSSION

No single recognized treatment exists for pigment epithelium detachment. Photodynamic therapy has not proven effective, according to the TAP study. For the last few years, several teams have recommended intravitreal injections of Kenacort (triamcinolone acetonide) as a complement to photodynamic therapy to treat different types of choroidal neovascularization. This combination has also been tried in the treatment of pigment epithelium detachment associated with age-related macular degeneration, although the protocol has not yet been clearly established. In order to decrease the cost of treatment by reducing the transport back and forth between the patient's home and the hospital, we have administered this dual treatment on the same day and evaluated the benefits for the patient. We have obtained very satisfactory anatomical results, making it possible to proceed with low-vision rehabilitation, and eventually improve visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that a level of efficiency at least as high as that of treatment at two different times for occult choroidal neovascularization complicated by pigment epithelium detachment can be achieved by a dual treatment the same day, with an accompanying reduction in cost.

Repeated intravitreal injection of triamcinolone for exudative age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide has been discussed as treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

OBJECTIVES

To give an updated report on repeated intravitreal injections of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) for the treatment of exudative AMD.

METHODS

The case-series study included 24 patients (24 eyes) with progressive exudative AMD who had shown an increase in, or stabilization of, visual acuity after a first IVTA, and who eventually experienced a deterioration of visual acuity. The 24 (6.5%) eyes were selected out of a total group of 369 eyes who had received IVTA for exudative AMD within the last 5 years. All patients of the study received a second IVTA (approximately 20 mg) 3.7-38.5 months after the first injection. Main outcome measure was visual acuity.

RESULTS

After the first injection, best corrected visual acuity improved significantly (p = 0.001) from 0.75 +/- 0.34 logMAR to a minimum of 0.58 +/- 0.30 logMAR during follow-up, with 10 (42%) eyes improving in visual acuity by two or more Snellen lines. Towards the end of follow-up after the first injection, best corrected visual acuity decreased significantly (p = 0.03) compared with the baseline value. After the second injection, visual acuity did not change markedly from baseline to a mean maximal visual acuity during follow-up. Comparing the last postoperative examination at the end of the follow-up after the second IVTA with the preoperative examination, a significantly (p = 0.001) higher number of eyes lost in visual acuity [19 (79%) eyes] than gained in visual acuity [3 (12%) eyes].

CONCLUSIONS

In selected eyes with an increase in visual acuity after a first IVTA (20 mg), repeated IVTA temporarily stabilizes visual acuity with a drop in visual acuity towards the end of follow-up.

Evolving European guidance on the medical management of neovascular age related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND

Until recently, only two options were available for the treatment of choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) associated with age related macular degeneration (AMD)-thermal laser photocoagulation and photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT-V). However, new treatments for CNV are in development, and data from phase III clinical trials of some of these pharmacological interventions are now available. In light of these new data, expert guidance is required to enable retina specialists with expertise in the management of AMD to select and use the most appropriate therapies for the treatment of neovascular AMD.

METHODS

Consensus from a round table of European retina specialists was obtained based on best available scientific data. Data rated at evidence levels 1 and 2 were evaluated for laser photocoagulation, PDT-V, pegaptanib sodium, and ranibizumab. Other treatments discussed are anecortave acetate, triamcinolone acetonide, bevacizumab, rostaporfin (SnET2), squalamine, and transpupillary thermotherapy.

RESULTS

PDT-V is currently recommended for subfoveal lesions with predominantly classic CNV, or with occult with no classic CNV with evidence of recent disease progression and a lesion size <or=4 Macular Photocoagulation Study (MPS) disc areas (DA). The new classes of anti-angiogenic agents-namely, pegaptanib sodium and ranibizumab (the latter when peer reviewed phase III data become available) are recommended for subfoveal lesions with any proportion of classic CNV or occult with no classic CNV. For juxtafoveal classic CNV, PDT-V or anti-angiogenic therapy should be considered if the new vessels are so close to the fovea that laser photocoagulation would almost certainly extend under the centre of the foveal avascular zone. For all other well demarcated juxtafoveal lesions and for extrafoveal classic lesions, laser photocoagulation remains the standard treatment. Therapy should be undertaken within 1 week of the fluorescein angiogram on which the clinical decision to treat is based. At each follow up, fluorescein angiography should be performed and best corrected visual acuity measured as a minimum requirement.

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations provide evidence based guidance for the choice and use of non-surgical therapies for the management of neovascular AMD. Revisions of the recommendations may be required as new data become available.

Follow-up after intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for exudative age-related macular degeneration

PURPOSE

To report on the follow-up of patients who received an intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection (IVTA) as treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

METHODS

The clinical interventional case-series study included 205 patients (222 eyes) with progressive exudative age-related macular degeneration with subfoveal neovascularization who consecutively received an IVTA of about 20 mg as only therapeutic procedure and for whom follow-up was at least 3 months. Mean follow-up was 10.4+/-7.1 months (range, 3-35.7 months).

RESULTS

Visual acuity improved significantly (P<0.001) from baseline (0.90+/-0.45 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMar)) to a mean minimum of 0.79+/-0.42 LogMar during follow-up. In 86 (38.7%) eyes and in 55 (24.8%) eyes, best visual acuity increased by at least two and three Snellen lines, respectively. Comparing the measurements at specific postinjection examination dates showed that visual acuity measurements taken at 1, 2, and 3 months after injection were not significantly different from the baseline value. Measurements taken at 6, 9, and 12 months after the injection were significantly (P<0.001) lower than the measurements at baseline. Mean loss at 6 months was 1.4+/-3.8 Snellen lines, at 9 months, 2.5+/-4.6 lines, and at 12 months after the injection, 2.6+/-4.0 lines. Intraocular pressure increased significantly (P<0.001) during the first 6 months, and returned to baseline at 9 months after injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Single injection high-dosage IVTA did not show an apparent benefit at 12 months after injection in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.