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Abstract
Abstract
Optimization of Photodynamic Therapy: A Randomized Comparison of Shorter Retreatment Intervals and Standard Therapy
Michels S., Schmidt-Erfurth U. for the DFG-PDT study group
Department of Ophthalmology, Luebeck University
Purpose: To evaluate the influence of shorter retreatment intervals on vision maintenance and improvement in photodynamic therapy (PDT) using verteporfin.
Method: In a prospective, multi-center trial phase 3b, patients with subfoveal predominantly classic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were randomized 1:1 to two arms: Group A was retreated in intervals of 2 months, group B was handled according to the recommended standard procedure with 3 month intervals. Treatment indications, parameters and retreatment criteria were identical for both regimen and were consistent with the TAP study protocol. Visual acuity was measured based on ETDRS criteria.
Results: A total number of 200 patients was included, 97 patients were randomized to 2 month retreatment intervals and 103 patients were subject to 3 month intervals. At baseline, both groups were similar in respect to a mean visual acuity of 20/100 (59 letters) and lesion size with 2090 µm (A) and 2200 µm (B). In group A, a mean loss of -4.4 letters was found after 6 months, in group B, the reduction at 6 months was -6.7 letters. This difference was not statistically significant (p=0.36). The proportion of patients loosing * 3 lines was 26.7% in group A and 31.9% in group B, which again was not significant. Subgroup analysis indicated a strong influe