Antiangiogenic therapy for ischemic retinopathies.
Neovascularization is a common pathological process in various retinal vascular disorders including diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). The development of neovascular vessels may lead to complications such as vitreous hemorrhage, fibrovascular tissue formation, and traction retinal detachments. Ultimately, irreversible vision loss may result. Various proangiogenic factors are involved in these complex processes. Different antiangiogenic drugs have been formulated in an attempt treat these vascular disorders. One factor that plays a major role in the development of retinal neovascularization is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Anti-VEGF agents are currently FDA approved for the treatment of AMD and RVO. They are also extensively used as an off-label treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME), proliferative DR, and neovascular glaucoma. However, at this time, the long-term safety of chronic VEGF inhibition has not been extensively evaluated. A large and rapidly expanding body of research on angiogenesis is being conducted at multiple centers across the globe to determine the exact contributions and interactions among a variety of angiogenic factors in an effort to determine the therapeutic potential of antiangiogenic agent in the treatment of a variety of retinal diseases.
Beetham Eye Institute, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Motasem
M
Al-Latayfeh
Paolo S
PS
Silva
Jennifer K
JK
Sun
Lloyd Paul
LP
Aiello
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D015355:Glaucoma, Neovascular / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D015861:Retinal Neovascularization / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014821:Vitrectomy
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A