Race and Vision Outcomes in Ranibizumab-Treated Participants With Diabetic Macular Edema: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Clinical Research
• Pharmacotherapy

Background:

• Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
• Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies, such as ranibizumab, are standard treatments for DME.
• Potential racial disparities in treatment response warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of race on vision outcomes in patients with DME treated with ranibizumab.
• To compare the efficacy of ranibizumab between Black and White participants in clinical trials.

Main Methods:

• Meta-analysis of five randomized clinical trials involving ranibizumab for DME.
• Comparison of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) changes from baseline to 24 months between racial subgroups.
• Statistical adjustments for baseline BCVA and propensity score matching were utilized.

Main Results:

• Black participants had better baseline BCVA than White participants.
• Mean BCVA change from baseline at 24 months was smaller in Black participants compared to White participants.
• After propensity score matching, no significant difference in BCVA change was observed between Black and White participants.

Conclusions:

• While baseline visual acuity differed, ranibizumab treatment for DME resulted in similar visual outcomes at 24 months between Black and White participants.
• The study highlights the need for diverse representation in clinical trials, as smaller enrollment of other racial groups precluded analysis.
• Ranibizumab appears to be an effective treatment for DME across racial groups studied, with no significant long-term differences observed.