Successful Treatment of Macular Degeneration With Anticancer Drugs

Vision loss from macular degeneration is caused by blood vessels that leak and create swelling under the macula. Treatment with Avastin and Lucentis, known as anti VEGF drugs which are also used to treat cancer, helps maintain vision.

Diagnosis

• Macular degeneration is diagnosed by retinal specialist through examination via microscope and tests such as fluorescein angiography, which lights up leaking blood vessels, or optical coherence tomography (OCT), which shows the layers of the retina.

Administration

• Avastin and Lucentis are given intravitreally, through the sclera, the white part of the eye, using a very small needle, after the eye is numbed with topical drops.

Mechanism of Action

• Avastin and Lucentis are anti VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) drugs, which means they block the action of VEGF proteins that form new blood vessels in response to oxygen deprived cells.

Duration of Treatment

• Clinical practices vary, but Anti VEGF drugs are usually administered over a period of time of 1 to 2 years, starting with monthly dosing.

Prognosis

• Anti VEGF drugs are not a cure for macular degeneration. Damage already done before treatment begins may be irreversible. According to the Merck Manual, approximately one third of patients will see improvement in their vision. Some patients will have vision loss slowed or stopped.