High choroidal neovascularization reactivation rates seen after anti-VEGF discontinuation

High choroidal neovascularization (CNV) recurrence rates after anti-VEGF treatment is discontinued supports the need for the development of a rational discontinuation strategy, according to a study.

In this prospective, single-center clinical trial, 157 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were randomly assigned to receive intravitreal bevacizumab injections every 4, 6, or 8 weeks for 1 year. At the end of 1-year of treatment, CNV activity was found in 42% (n = 66) of patients. Within the first year after discontinuation of treatment, 61 of the remaining 91 patients needed retreatment for active CNV. Of those 61 patients, 50 experienced CNV reactivation within 6 months of their final treatment for CNV.

Reference

Amarakoon S, Martinez-Ciriano JP, Baarsma S, et al. Reactivation of CNV after discontinuation of bevacizumab treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Ophthalmologica. 2021; https://doi.org/10.1159/000514539