Pilot study of safety and effect of combined intravitreal bevacizumab and methotrexate for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and effect of combined intravitreal methotrexate and bevacizumab on choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


METHODS
Seven eyes of 7 patients (4 female; mean age 65.43±5.96 years) with choroidal neovascularization secondary to AMD were studied. Patients received intravitreal injection of methotrexate and bevacizumab and were examined every 1.5 months. Reinjections were performed with bevacizumab only.


RESULTS
Three patients had 3 months, 3 had 4.5 months, and 1 had 8 months of follow-up. Mean number of reinjections was 2.0. In all patients, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved compared to baseline. Central macular thickness (CMT) decreased in all but one patient who had no reduced visual acuity. Mean BCVA (logMAR) was 1.27±0.43 D at baseline, 1.1±0.38 D at week 6, and 0.93±0.31 D at month 3. Mean BCVA in 3 patients at 4.5 months was 1.1±0.15 D. There were statistically significant differences between BCVA before injection and at week 6 (p=0.017), 3 months (p=0.005), and 4.5 months (p=0.04). Mean baseline CMT was 389±177 µm, 371±154 µm at 6 weeks, and 317±108 µm at 3 months. Mean CMT in 3 patients at 4.5 months was 266±66 µm. There were no statistically significant differences between baseline CMT and after treatment. No scar formation, increase of scar, or adverse reaction to methotrexate injection were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Addition of intravitreal methotrexate to bevacizumab was safe in 7 eyes of 7 patients. It may enhance the therapeutic effect in regression of neovascularization in AMD and may reduce development of a fibrous component and disciform scar formation.
Soheilian
Masoud
M
Ophthalmic Research Center and Ophthalmology Department, Labbafinejad Medical Center, Shaheed Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran.
Movaseghi
Mehryar
M
Ramezani
Alireza
A
Peyman
Gholam A
GA
D000368:Aged; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058449:Intravitreal Injections; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D019233:Retreatment; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D008727:Methotrexate