scholarly journals Combination Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema with Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Steroids: Analysis of DRCR.net Protocol U

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Cindy Ung ◽  
Kareem Moussa ◽  
Yoshihiro Yonekawa
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Macular Edema ◽  
Diabetic Macular Edema ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
First Line ◽  
Second Line Therapy ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the main cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients. Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is considered the first-line treatment option in the management of DME with corticosteroids used as second-line therapy. The DRCR.net Protocol U study was a Phase II trial that sought to compare the combination of a steroid and anti-VEGF therapy to anti-VEGF monotherapy regarding visual acuity and anatomic outcomes. This review highlights the strengths, weaknesses, and clinical implications of this study.

scholarly journals Intravitreal Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema: An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Claudio Furino ◽  
Francesco Boscia ◽  
Michele Reibaldi ◽  
Giovanni Alessio
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Sustained Release ◽  
Macular Edema ◽  
Diabetic Macular Edema ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Diabetic macular edema (DME) represents a prevalent and disabling eye condition. Despite that DME represents a sight-threatening condition, it is also among the most accessible to treatment. Many different treatment options including photocoagulation, intravitreal medical treatment (either vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors or corticosteroids therapies), and surgical removal are currently available. Although laser has been considered as the gold standard for many years, over the past several years vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors (anti-VEGFs) have become first-line therapy. However, many patients do not adequately respond to them. With the development of sustained-release corticosteroid devices, steroids have gained a presence in the management of the DME. We review and update the role of anti-VEGF and intravitreal sustained-release corticosteroid management of DME. According to the currently available scientific evidence, the choice of one anti-VEGF over another critically depends on the baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). While aflibercept may be the drug of choice in low baseline BCVA, the three anti-VEGFs (bevacizumab, ranibizumab, and aflibercept) provided similar functional outcomes when the baseline BCVA was higher. DEX implants are a valuable option for treating DME, although they are usually seen as a second choice, particularly in those eyes that have an insufficient response to anti-VEGF. The new evidence suggested that, in eyes that did not adequately respond to anti-VEGF, switching to a DEX implant at the time to 3 monthly anti-VEGF injections provided better functional outcomes.

Intravitreal dexamethasone insert in diabetic macular edema super-refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110043
Author(s):  
Carl S Wilkins ◽  
Ethan K Sobol ◽  
Gareth MC Lema ◽  
Jessica G Lee ◽  
Richard B Rosen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Macular Edema ◽  
Diabetic Macular Edema ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Intravitreal Dexamethasone ◽  
Growth Factor Therapy ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Background: Some patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) fail to completely respond to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. These patients have a high treatment burden in the absence of significant improvement. We investigate the role of intravitreal dexamethasone insert (IDI) in eyes with super-refractory DME. Methods: A non-randomized interventional study was performed among eyes with super-refractory DME refractory to anti-VEGF therapy. Eyes were treated with IDI after failing clinical response to anti-VEGF, with a minimum of 15 prior. Failure to respond was defined as failure of vision to improve at least one line on Snellen Acuity chart, central subfield thickness (CST) greater than 320 μm, or failure of CST to improve by 10% or more. Eyes with glaucoma or prior uncontrolled steroid-responsive ocular hypertension were excluded. Patient outcomes were analyzed at weeks 6, 12, 24, and year 1. Results: Six eyes of four patients were identified. All patients had failed aflibercept. The mean number of prior anti-VEGF injections was 34.5. Eyes received an average of 2.92 dexamethasone injections per person-year (PY) and required breakthrough anti-VEGF injection at 1.95/PY. Mean pre-treatment visual acuity was 0.475 LogMAR, improving to 0.342 at week 6, and 0.375 at 1 year. Mean CST pre-injection was 386.5 mm, improving to 315 mm at 1 year. No glaucoma developed. Conclusions: Intravitreal dexamethasone insert appears effective in eyes with super-refractory DME. IDI resulted in excellent anatomic improvement on SD-OCT as well as modest visual improvement. Injection burden was reduced in those who may otherwise receive years of monthly treatments.

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