Ranibizumab shows higher recurrence risk in ROP treatment

Based on a comparative study, ranibizumab (IVR) is associated with a higher risk of recurrence and retreatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) compared to bevacizumab (IVB). Additionally, the study, which was presented at a poster at AAO 2023, found no significant differences in initial regression or safety outcomes between IVB, IVR, and aflibercept (IVA) treatments.

The study, conducted by researchers using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases, included 2877 eyes from 13 comparative studies with a follow-up period of over 6 months. The primary focus was on ROP regression and recurrence, with secondary outcomes encompassing the likelihood of additional treatment, refractive outcomes, and complications.

Results indicated that there was no significant difference in initial regression between IVR and IVB. However, IVR was associated with a higher risk of eventual recurrence retreatment compared to IVB. Safety outcomes showed no notable differences.

In addition, the study found that myopia was more prevalent in the IVB group compared to IVR, with a weighted mean difference of −1.12 D. The quality of evidence was rated as moderate-low.

Reference
Baiad A, et al. Comparison of Intravitreal Bevacizumab, Ranibizumab and Aflibercept for ROP: A Meta-Analysis. Poster presented at: AAO 2023.