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Bevacizumab (Avastin) eye drops inhibit corneal neovascularization

Felix Bock1, Yanyan König, Friedrich Kruse

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen, Germany.

Graefe'S Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology = Albrecht Von Graefes Archiv Fur Klinische Und Experimentelle Ophthalmologie
|October 16, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Bevacizumab (Avastin) eye drops effectively reduced corneal neovascularization in patients unresponsive to standard treatments. This therapy demonstrated a significant decrease in new blood vessel growth without causing adverse corneal effects.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Corneal neovascularization (CNV) is a significant cause of vision impairment.
  • Aggressive CNV often proves resistant to conventional therapeutic approaches.
  • Bevacizumab, a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor, is explored for ocular applications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin) eye drops in inhibiting corneal neovascularization.
  • To assess the safety profile of topical bevacizumab in patients with severe CNV.

Main Methods:

  • An interventional case series was conducted involving five patients with refractory CNV.
  • Patients received bevacizumab (Avastin) eye drops (5 mg/ml, 5 times daily) for an average of 3.6 months.
  • Participants included patients with limbal stem cell deficiency and post-keratoplasty neovascularization.

Main Results:

  • Bevacizumab eye drops were generally well-tolerated, with no significant corneal side-effects observed.
  • All five patients experienced a reduction in the neovascularized area, with a mean decrease of 48% (range: 13-75%).
  • The treatment showed promising results in managing aggressive corneal neovascularization.

Conclusions:

  • Topical bevacizumab (Avastin) eye drops appear to be an effective treatment for inhibiting corneal neovascularization.
  • The therapy is associated with a favorable safety profile, lacking notable corneal epithelial side-effects.
  • Bevacizumab offers a potential therapeutic option for patients with severe, treatment-resistant CNV.

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