The Digital Angiography Reading Center (DARC) role in the anecortave acetate clinical trials

Advances in digital camera and computer technology have resulted in imaging systems providing clinically relevant information equivalent to traditional film-based techniques. The Digital Angiography Reading Center (DARC) was created to provide the next generation in reading center assessment for clinical trials of retinal disease. A fully digital angiographic imaging protocol was implemented with the anecortave acetate clinical studies. For image evaluation readers followed a standard manual of definitions and guidelines. Eligibility was determined based on protocol specific criteria. Rapid communication of images between the study sites and DARC permitted screening for eligibility and pre-treatment stratification of all patients prior to enrollment. This screening process was designed to eliminate angiographically ineligible patients from the clinical trials. The result was a reduction in the total number of patients needed to obtain sufficient evaluable patients for statistical assessment of treatment outcome. Digital angiography can be successfully used in clinical trials for retinal disease.