Radiation retinopathy is treatable with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor bevacizumab (Avastin).
OBJECTIVE
To report on bevacizumab treatment for radiation retinopathy affecting the macula.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients with radiation retinopathy (edema, hemorrhages, capillary dropout, and neovascularization) and a subjective or objective loss of vision were treated. Treatment involved intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg in 0.05 mL) every 6-12 weeks. Treatment was discontinued at patient request or if there was no measurable response to therapy. Main outcome measures included best corrected visual acuity, ophthalmic examination, retinal photography, and angiography.


RESULTS
Bevacizumab treatment was followed by reductions in retinal hemorrhage, exudation, and edema. Visual acuities were stable or improved in 86% (n=18). Three patients discontinued therapy. Each was legally blind before treatment (n=1), experienced little to no subjective improvement (n=2), or was poorly compliant (n=2). Three patients (14%) regained 2 or more lines of visual acuity. No ocular or systemic bevacizumab-related side effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravitreal bevacizumab can be used to treat radiation retinopathy. In most cases treatment was associated with decreased vascular leakage, stabilization, or improved vision. An anti-vascular endothelial growth factor strategy may reduce tissue damage associated with radiation vasculopathy and neuropathy.
Finger
Paul T
PT
The New York Eye Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA. pfinger@eyecancer.com
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D002830:Choroid Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections / Q000379:methods; D008545:Melanoma / Q000532:radiotherapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010165:Palladium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012160:Retina / Q000528:radiation effects*
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D011868:Radioisotopes; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D010165:Palladium