Abstract

FR.21.07

Update on radiation therapy of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration

Rainer Guthoff
Department of Ophthalmology, Wuerzburg University

For anti-VEGF-therapy with ranibizumab or bevacizumab of choroidal neovaskularizationen (CNV), numerous re-treatments and long-term follow-up control visits are necessary, but influence the quality of the patients life negatively and burden the patient and the health system financially. Low-dose ionizing radiation increases permeability of vascular endothelial cells and induces apoptosis. Episcleral beta-radiation of CNV by plaque brachytherapy showed a functional benefit associated with only a low complication rate. The intraocular localization of the radiation source close the CNV target tissue during a standard vitrectomy may minimize the radiation exposition of the deeper localized choroidal tissue and the adjacent retina compared to the episcleral plaque radiation therapy. The question if the number of re-treatments of the CNV by the anti-VEGF therapy can be reduced by intraocular new epiretinal beta radiation techniques, is currently being analysed.

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