Real world data suggest switch to aflibercept beneficial in refractory DMO

Patients with refractory diabetic macular oedema (DMO) switched from treatment with ranibizumab to aflibercept may have a sustained anatomical and functional benefit, according to real world data.

In this retrospective review, data from 44 patients (57 eyes) with DMO undergoing treatment with ranibizumab switched to aflibercept were included. Primary outcomes were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT).

After switching treatments, the median at 3, 6, 9, and 18 months to 73 (64-77) letters, 73 (61-78) letters, 73 (65-77), and 73 (63-75) letters, respectively.

At 36 months post-switch 12 eyes gained >10 letters, 5 eyes gained 5-9 letters, 25 remained stable (± 5 letters), 7 eyes lost 5-9 letters, and 8 eyes lost > 10 letters.

Except for month 24, there was a significant reduction in CMT at all trimesters following the switch to aflibercept.

Reference
Sepetis AE, Clarke H, Gupta B. Functional and structural characteristics in patients with diabetic macular oedema after switching from ranibizumab to aflibercept treatment. Three year results in real world settings. Int J Retina Vitreous. 2022;8(1):23. doi: 10.1186/s40942-022-00373-5. PMID: 35365223.