Laser combination therapy not significantly more effective for anti-VEGF-resistant DME than anti-VEGF monotherapy

While anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is the first-line treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME), it can be less effective in some patients. Results from a prospective study did not show that laser combination therapy was significantly more effective for anti-VEGF-resistant DME than anti-VEGF monotherapy alone. Alternative therapeutic approaches beyond combined laser therapy may be considered for anti-VEGF-resistant DME patients, said study authors.

Researchers set out to determine whether laser combination therapy with anti-VEGF was more effective than ranibizumab monotherapy in anti-VEGF-resistant DME patients.  Results demonstrated no significant difference in the improvement of the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between the laser combination therapy and ranibizumab monotherapy groups (3.2 letters and -7.5 letters). BCVA did not significantly change between visits 1 and 7, with no significant improvements in central foveal retinal thickness. In addition, no significant difference was observed in the number of ranibizumab intravitreal therapy (IVT) sessions between the groups.

Reference:
Hatano M, Wakuta M, Yamamoto K, et al. Use of Ranibizumab for evaluating focal laser combination therapy for refractory diabetic macular edema patients: an exploratory study on the RELAND trials. Sci Rep. 2023;13(1):22965. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-48665-6.