[Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for capillary hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease].
BACKGROUND
Up-regulated expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease has been postulated to induce retinal hemangioblastoma. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs might provide a new therapeutic option in this condition.


METHODS
In a single case decision a patient with active retinal hemangioblastomas due to VHL disease received repeated intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab.


RESULTS
Subsequent to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, the signs of activity of the retinal hemangioblastomas slowly regressed.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy might, as monotherapy or as combination therapy, offer a new treatment option for retinal hemangioblastoma.
Michels
S
S
Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich. stephan.michels@usz.ch
Messmer
E
E
Sutter
F
F
Kurz-Levin
M M
MM
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D018325:Hemangioblastoma / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D019721:Ophthalmoscopes; D000069579:Ranibizumab; D019572:Retinal Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects; D014822:Vitreous Body; D006623:von Hippel-Lindau Disease / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000069579:Ranibizumab