Use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor in the management of pterygium.

Abstract

The rising success of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in ocular disease has stimulated the use of such treatments in the surgical management of pterygium. We reviewed the literature to better understand the safety and efficacy of the adjunctive role of anti-VEGF treatments for pterygium excision. Without surgery, anti-VEGF alone may favourably alter symptoms and vascularity, but does not cause pterygium regression. Some evidence supports the use of anti-VEGF as an adjuvant therapy to surgery, especially when using a higher dose and a more frequent dosing regimen. Overall, anti-VEGF is generally safe and well tolerated in patients with pterygium. Currently, the evidence does not conclusively support the use of anti-VEGF in pterygium surgery. However, further research may guide unanswered questions regarding the interaction between VEGF and other factors responsible for pterygium growth. In addition, the optimal route and dosage of anti-VEGF administration is not yet known.

• Authors: Renata Kiri Mak, Tommy Chung Yan Chan, Marcus M Marcet, Bonnie Nga Kwan Choy, Jennifer Wei Huen Shum, Kendrick Co Shih, Ian Yat Hin Wong, Alex Lap Ki Ng
• Journal: Acta ophthalmologica (Acta Ophthalmol) Vol. 95 Issue 1 Pg. 20-27 (Feb 2017) ISSN: 1755-3768 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 27473792 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2016 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• VEGFA protein, human
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Pterygium (drug therapy)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (antagonists & inhibitors)