Treatment of age-related subfoveal neovascular membranes by teletherapy: results of a non-randomized study.
This investigation was designed to determine whether low-dose radiation to the macular region could influence the natural course of age-related subfoveal neovascularization. Thirty-one patients with subfoveal membranes due to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) were treated with 12 Gy of 6MV X-rays, and 72 patients who were untreated served as a control group. Both groups were followed-up. At six months of follow-up visual acuity was maintained in 54.8% and improved 25.8% of patients treated by radiotherapy. In the control group, visual acuity showed deterioration in 55.5%. There was a significant difference between the treated and untreated groups (p < 0.01). Significant neovascular membrane regression or stabilization was recorded in 61.3% of treated patients at six months post-radiation, whereas the membranes in all. 72 control patients showed progressive enlargement. This non-randomized study suggested that low doses of radiation may be an alternative treatment for ARMD without an immediate drop in visual acuity or significant radiation morbidity.
Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey.
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Subaşi
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Akmansu
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D014792:Visual Acuity