Philip J Rosenfeld, MD, PhD
Dr Rosenfeld, the pioneer in the use of bevacizumab (Avastin) for the treatment of retinal vascular diseases, surprised the audience with an apparent attempt to temper the now widespread enthusiasm for the off-label use of the drug in ophthalmology. He cited a study in which early improvements in visual acuity and anatomic outcomes were not sustained (Jaissle GB, et al. [Bevacizumab for treatment of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion.] [article in German.] Ophthalmologe. 2006 May 10; [Epub ahead of print]). Thus, the duration of effect of bevacizumab is unpredictable. Ranibizumab, which is structurally related to bevacizumab, has 4-16 times greater vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) affinity than bevacizumab. Ranibizumab has been FDA-approved for age-related macular degeneration. Clinical trial results for ranibizumab in diabetic retinopathy are forthcoming.
|
