Combination brachytherapy and anti-VEGF therapy demonstrates long-term safety and efficacy

NEW YORK — The use of epimacular brachytherapy combined with bevacizumab appears safe for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration and reduces the dosing burden of anti-VEGF therapy.

Pravin U. Dugel

After 2 years of follow-up in 34 patients treated with strontium 90 and Avastin (bevacizumab, Genentech) in a phase 2 study, 80% of patients who had cataract surgery before the study maintained vision and 30% gained significant vision. When compared with patients who had their natural lens, 65% of patients maintained vision and 20% gained significant vision.

Overall, patients received a mean 2.4 injections, including loading doses, and 76% of patients required no additional doses beyond the two required injections of bevacizumab, Pravin U. Dugel, MD, said here at the Retina Congress 2009.

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