Safety and Efficacy of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapies for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology

Abstract

To review the evidence on the safety and efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A literature search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was last conducted in February 2017; there were no date restrictions, and the search was limited to studies published in English. The combined searches yielded 191 citations, 28 of which were selected because they were clinical trials and were deemed clinically relevant for the Ophthalmic Technology Assessment Committee Retina/Vitreous Panel to review in full. The panel methodologist then assigned a level of evidence rating to each study. Sixteen of the 28 citations provided level I evidence supporting the use of anti-VEGF agents for neovascular AMD, including intravitreal ranibizumab, aflibercept, and bevacizumab. Eight studies reviewed provided level II evidence, and 4 studies provided level III evidence, but only the level I studies are included in this assessment. There are long-term follow-up data on the efficacy of ranibizumab and bevacizumab (≥5 years), but these data are subject to the bias of incomplete follow-up. Review of the literature indicates that intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF therapy is safe and effective for neovascular AMD over 2 years, the period for which data are available. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term safety and comparative efficacy of these agents.