Clinical research progress of anti-VEGF agents for diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus can pathologically elevate ocular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGE) level,which causes the angiogenesis and edema in eyes.The extensive use of anti-VEGF agents for the age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has prompted research into the application of anti-VEGF drugs for the diabetic retinopathy (DR).Pegaptanib and ranibizumab,which are approved for intravitreal injection,have shown short-term effect on visual acuity improvement.And off-label intravitreal use of bevacizumab has shown short-term positive effects on both visual acuity improvement and central retinal thickness.Aflibercept has also been regarded as an effective treatment to DR,which is supported by trials.The growing evidence indicates that anti-VEGF agents are beneficial for the DR treatment,especially the one with diabetic macular edema (DME).Still,physicians expect the results of large,controlled trials to substantiate the long-term efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF drugs for DR. Key words: vascular endothelial growth factor; diabetic retinopathy/treatment