Age-related macular degeneration: long-term results of radiotherapy for subfoveal neovascular membranes.
OBJECTIVE
To study results of 2-year follow-up of radiotherapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane associated with age-related macular degeneration.


METHODS
In a randomized prospective clinical study, 101 patients received a low-dose radiotherapy or no treatment. In the treatment group, subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes were treated with 20 Gy of 6-MV photons to the macula of the affected eye.


RESULTS
The overall complete follow-up rate was 84.2% (85/101). No measurable treatment-related morbidity was seen during or after treatment. Mean changes in log of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) of visual acuity and area of choroidal neovascular membrane for 2-year follow-up were +0.226 +/- 0.373 and 143.5 +/- 53.1% in the treatment group, and +0.563 +/- 0.370 and 190. 3 +/- 81.4% in the control group; a significant difference was found (P <.0001; P =.0008). In patients with smaller choroidal neovascular membrane (</=1.5 mm(2)) or better visual acuity (>/=60/200) at baseline, the treatment group showed a significantly smaller increase in area of choroidal neovascular membrane and a significantly smaller decrease in LogMAR visual acuity for 2 years, whereas there was no significant difference in patients with larger choroidal neovascular membrane (>1.5 mm(2)) or poorer visual acuity (<60/200).


CONCLUSIONS
Radiotherapy appeared to have a favorable treatment effect in eyes with subfoveal neovascular membrane associated with AMD. Favorable factors for radiotherapy were a smaller area of choroidal neovascular membrane and better visual acuity.
Kobayashi
H
H
Department of Ophthalmology, Amagasaki Hospital, (Dr H. Kobayashi), Hyogo, Japan. kobaya3@post.saga-med.ac.jp
Kobayashi
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005584:Fovea Centralis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity