Anti-VEGF Molecules for the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema.
Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents the most common cause of vision loss in patients affected by diabetes mellitus. Although the pathophysiology of DME is not wholly understood, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been identified as a key contributor to the development of DME. In addition, latest information suggests that acute and chronic inflammatory changes occur, contributing to the DME pathogenesis. The current therapeutic approach for DME is mainly based on the administration of anti-VEGF molecules. In particular, VEGF-inhibitors that have been studied for diabetic retinopathy include pegaptanib, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, and aflibercept. The present review analyzes the main characteristics of each molecule, describing the most important results of clinical trails.
Department of Ophthalmology, University Vita-Salute, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. bandello.francesco@hsr.it.
Francesco
F
Bandello
Maria Vittoria
MV
Cicinelli
Maurizio Battaglia
MB
Parodi
D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068258:Bevacizumab / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008269:Macular Edema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D000069579:Ranibizumab / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D052157:Aptamers, Nucleotide; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C533178:aflibercept; C495058:pegaptanib; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D000069579:Ranibizumab