Proliferative diabetic retinopathy and the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors agents

Abstract

Current gold standard treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) aimed at reducing the drive for new vessel proliferation. The focus is now changing to include the use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents in conjunction with the gold standard in order to improve efficacy and reduce known side-effects associated with PRP, thus providing better outcomes for this group of advanced retinopathy. This paper aims to summarize our current knowledge behind the development of PDR, with review of treatment with anti-VEGF agents. Systematic search of both PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify relevant articles. Only articles in the English-language were selected for review. The use of anti-VEGF agents in conjunction with PRP has been shown to be beneficial in the regression of new vessels, reduction of macular edema as well as reduced duration of vitreous hemorrhage. In addition, its use during surgical intervention for PDR can reduce the duration of surgery and early postoperative complications. Despite the lack of large randomized controlled trials in this area there is significant evidence from case series showing the beneficial as well as the adverse effects of this treatment modality. The need for a large randomized controlled trial is an important development for diabetic retinopathy management.