Anti-VEGF Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Angiogenesis Research
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key cytokine in angiogenesis, implicated in tumorigenesis and neovascularization (NV).
• Anti-VEGF therapies are established for retinal diseases like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Bevacizumab, though FDA-approved for cancer, is widely used off-label for various retinal conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing human case reports on the efficacy of anti-VEGF agents in treating corneal neovascularization (NV).
• To assess the current evidence and identify limitations in the use of anti-VEGF agents for corneal NV.
• To present clinical experience with anti-VEGF treatment for active corneal NV.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of published human case series and reports.
• Analysis of clinical outcomes from anti-VEGF treatments for corneal NV.
• Inclusion of a specific clinician's experience with bevacizumab for corneal NV.

Main Results:

• Multiple human case series suggest potential efficacy of anti-VEGF agents, particularly bevacizumab, for corneal NV.
• Current data are primarily from case series, indicating a need for more robust clinical trials.
• Bevacizumab has been used off-label with reported success in treating corneal NV.

Conclusions:

• Anti-VEGF agents represent a potential therapeutic option for corneal neovascularization (NV).
• Further rigorous studies are required to establish the safety and efficacy of anti-VEGF agents for corneal NV.
• The current evidence base necessitates cautious interpretation and highlights the need for controlled clinical trials.