Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin combined with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the efficacy of combined photodynamic therapy with verteporfin and subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab for the treatment of patients with corneal neovascularization.


METHODS
Twelve eyes of 12 patients with stable corneal neovascularization who were refractory to conventional treatment were treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (6 mg/m) and subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (2.5 mg/0.1 mL). Anterior segment photography was performed before and after treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity, cumulative length of corneal blood vessels, and area of corneal neovascularization were measured.


RESULTS
From 1 week to 1 month after treatment, all eyes showed a notable decrease in corneal neovascularization and evidence of vascular thrombosis. At the 6-month and 1-year follow-ups, complete vascular occlusion was achieved in 8 eyes (66.7%) and partial occlusion was achieved in 3 eyes (25.0%). One eye (8.3%) showed revascularization after temporary occlusion. No ocular complications or systemic events developed.


CONCLUSIONS
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin combined with subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab seems to be effective for the treatment of corneal neovascularization.
You
In-Cheon
IC
Department of Ophthalmology, Chonnam National University Medical School and Hospital, Gwangju, Korea.
Im
Seong-Kyu
SK
Lee
Seung-Hyun
SH
Yoon
Kyung-Chul
KC
D000328:Adult; 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; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003228:Conjunctiva; D016510:Corneal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011166:Porphyrins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D000077362:Verteporfin; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011166:Porphyrins; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000077362:Verteporfin; D000068258:Bevacizumab