Visual functioning and quality of life in the SubFoveal Radiotherapy Study (SFRADS): SFRADS report 2

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Radiation Oncology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss.
• Choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) is a common complication of AMD.
• External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is being investigated as a potential treatment for CNV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of 12 Gy EBRT in improving self-reported visual functioning and quality of life in patients with AMD-related CNV.
• To compare outcomes between patients treated with EBRT and an observation control group.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, single-masked, randomised controlled trial involving 199 patients aged 60+ with subfoveal CNV and visual acuity ≥ 6/60.
• Participants were assigned to receive 12 Gy EBRT or observation.
• Visual function, ophthalmic examinations, and patient-reported outcomes (DLTV and SF-36 questionnaires) were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months.

Main Results:

• Both groups experienced a decline in visual functioning as measured by the Daily Living Tasks Dependent on Vision (DLTV) questionnaire.
• No statistically significant differences were observed in DLTV scores between the EBRT and observation groups at 12 or 24 months.
• Regression analysis indicated that treatment status did not influence changes in DLTV scores.

Conclusions:

• Despite potential minor clinical vision improvements, 12 Gy EBRT did not lead to better self-reported visual functioning or quality of life in AMD patients compared to observation.
• These findings suggest that EBRT may not be an effective treatment for improving patient-centered outcomes in this population.
• The results have implications for designing future clinical trials and therapeutic strategies for AMD-related CNV.