High-dose topical bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS:

Bevacizumab (Avastin), an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug, has been successfully used in the recent years to treat ocular pathologies, mostly by intravitreal administration. The aim of the current study was to assess the off-label topical use of high-dose bevacizumab for the treatment of corneal neovascularization.

METHODS:

Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with corneal neovascularization secondary to various pathologies were included. The patients were treated with topical bevacizumab (25 mg/ml) 4 times daily for 2 weeks. The following parameters were evaluated at baseline and on days 3, 7 and 14: visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure, heart rate and blood pressure. Color photos were obtained at baseline and on day 14.

RESULTS:

Eleven eyes (65%) demonstrated regression of corneal neovascularization and/or clearing of corneal opacification. Adverse ocular events were mild and transient, and included eyelid swelling/chalazion and superficial punctate keratitis.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment with high-dose topical bevacizumab (25 mg/ml) was effective for corneal neovascularization in nearly two thirds of the eyes treated. Adverse ocular side effects were mild and transient.

• Authors: Michael Waisbourd, Eliya Levinger, David Varssano, Elad Moisseiev, Shiri Zayit-Soudri, Adiel Barak, Anat Loewenstein, Irina Barequet
• Journal: Pharmacology (Pharmacology) Vol. 92 Issue 5-6 Pg. 310-4 ( 2013) ISSN: 1423-0313 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 24335191 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Bevacizumab

Topics

• Administration, Ophthalmic
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Bevacizumab
• Blood Pressure (drug effects)
• Corneal Neovascularization (drug therapy, pathology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Heart Rate (drug effects)
• Humans
• Intraocular Pressure (drug effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity (drug effects)