title: Photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
abstract: To evaluate photodynamic therapy with verteporfin combined with intravitreal bevacizumab in minimally classic and occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. 46 eyes of 46 patients (mean age 74.5) included in this prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. Median follow-up was 24 weeks (12-36). Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) was followed by 0.05 mL (1.25 mg) of bevacizumab injected intravitreally within 24 hours and again after 6 weeks. Whole procedure was repeated in 3-month intervals in case of leakage. Visual acuity (VA) improved in majority of patients (baseline VA 1.041 log MAR) by mean increase of 1.45 lines (last follow-up) (p = 0.001). Central foveal thickness (CFT) and total macular volume (TMV) decreased by 53 microm (p = 0.03) and 1.04 mm3 (p < 0.001) respectively. No serious complications were observed. Combined treatment may improve outcome of monotherapy. Significant improvement in VA, CFT and TMA was noted in majority of patients and maintained during follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Eye Clinic "Svjetlost", Zagreb, Croatia. ratimir.lazic@svjetlost.hr
authors.forename: Ratimir
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lazić
authors.forename: Nikica
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gabrić
authors.forename: Iva
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Dekaris
authors.forename: Morena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gavrić
authors.forename: Damir
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bosnar
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077362:Verteporfin; D014822:Vitreous Body
chemical_list: D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; D000077362:Verteporfin; D000068258:Bevacizumab