Availability of anti-VEGF agents for the management of advanced diabetic retinopathy in the NHS

The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug Bevacizumab (Avastin Genentech Inc. (Roche Group), San Francisco, California, USA) has been in circulation for several years within the ophthalmic community. Numerous studies have reported clinical outcomes of Bevacizumab in the context of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR)1–4 and neovascular glaucoma. These, including a comprehensive review5 and a meta-analysis,6 have all reported favourable clinical outcomes. Studies therefore confirm that Bevacizumab reduces the risk of haemorrhage, reduces the need for endodiathermy, facilitates surgery and reduces surgical time if administered days prior to vitrectomy surgery for PDR. Bevacizumab also reduces retinal neovascularisation and/or iris neovascularisation in patients with rubeotic glaucoma secondary to advanced PDR when used as an adjunct to laser photocoagulation. Last year a statement from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (14 December 2011), stated that the College supports the use...
Source: British Journal of Ophthalmology - Category: Opthalmology Authors: Tags: Letters Source Type: research