[Interval reduction of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is not advantageous. A pilot project]

Ophthalmologe. 2003 Apr;100(4):314-7. doi: 10.1007/s00347-002-0693-y.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Purpose: To find out if carrying out PDT again 6 weeks after initial PDT will improve the results at 3 months.

Methods: A total of 22 eyes were treated according to the dose regimen proposed by the TAP study.

Results: After the first PDT, the CNV remained permanently closed in 14% of the eyes. Repeating the treatment 6 weeks later did not lead to permanent closure of more CNVs or a diminished size at 3 months. Short-term re-treatment had no substantial effect on the underlying choriocapillaries. Visual acuity did not profit or suffer from early re-treatment.

Conclusion: Shortening of the treatment interval has no serious side-effects, but does not seem to improve the results reported in the TAP study.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Choroidal Neovascularization / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / drug therapy*
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / administration & dosage
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Porphyrins / administration & dosage
  • Porphyrins / therapeutic use*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Time Factors
  • Verteporfin
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Porphyrins
  • Verteporfin