Single-session photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab for retinal angiomatous proliferation

To evaluate the efficacy of single-session photodynamic therapy (PDT) combined with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in the treatment of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) in age-related macular degeneration.

In this pilot study, eight patients with RAP underwent indocyanine green angiography (ICGA)-guided single-session verteporfin PDT followed by intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) within a 0-day +/- 1-day interval. All patients were naïve to treatment. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), fluorescein angiography, ICGA, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed at baseline and at each follow-up visit. All patients received three consecutive monthly IVB injections; thereafter, retreatment with bevacizumab was performed in the case of worsening BCVA or a deterioration of angiographic or OCT findings.

All patients had 9 months of follow-up. Complete resolution of angiographic leakage was achieved in all eyes at 9 months. A significant improvement in the mean BCVA was observed at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months after combined treatment (P = 0.004). Visual acuity improved in 62.5% and was stable in 37.5% of cases. No patients had a decrease in BCVA of three or more lines during follow-up. Mean central macular thickness was significantly reduced in all patients (P < 0.0001) as controlled at 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 9-month intervals from initial treatment. The mean number of injections for the 9 months were 3.2 +/- 0.4. No ocular complications or systemic events developed.

Sequenced combined treatment with single-session PDT and IVB injections may be useful in treating RAP, reducing or eliminating retinal edema, and improving or stabilizing visual acuity. Further investigations are warranted to outline the appropriate treatment paradigm for combination therapy.