[Antiangiogenic therapy for choroidal neovascularization induced by age-related macular degeneration (preliminary...

Specific antiangiogenic therapy for exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) aims at suppressing the growth of choroidal neovascularization. Bevacizumab, an antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor, is one of the agents that specifically inhibit angiogenesis. The results of using bevacizumab in choroidal neovascularization induced by AMD are analyzed. Bevacizumab was administered into the vitreous body of 56 patients (60 eyes) in a dose of 1.25 mg; its injections were repeated if the need arose in disease recurrence. The follow-up time was 6 to 12 months. Following 6 months, visual preservation not below the baseline level was noted in 86% of cases; in this period a significant visual improvement was stated in 46% of cases. Fluorescence angiography showed decreased dye leakage in most cases, which correlated with the lower retinal thickness revealed by optical coherence tomography. There were no serious complications. Intravitreal administration of bevacizumab is the method of choice in treating exudative AMD and requires further investigation.