Age-related macular degeneration: long-term results of radiotherapy for subfoveal neovascular membranes

Abstract

Purpose: To study results of 2-year follow-up of radiotherapy for subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Methods: In a randomized prospective clinical study, 101 patients received a low-dose radiotherapy or no treatment. In the treatment group, subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes were treated with 20 Gy of 6-MV photons to the macula of the affected eye.

Results: The overall complete follow-up rate was 84.2% (85/101). No measurable treatment-related morbidity was seen during or after treatment. Mean changes in log of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) of visual acuity and area of choroidal neovascular membrane for 2-year follow-up were +0.226 +/- 0.373 and 143.5 +/- 53.1% in the treatment group, and +0.563 +/- 0.370 and 190. 3 +/- 81.4% in the control group; a significant difference was found (P <.0001; P =.0008). In patients with smaller choroidal neovascular membrane (</=1.5 mm(2)) or better visual acuity (>/=60/200) at baseline, the treatment group showed a significantly smaller increase in area of choroidal neovascular membrane and a significantly smaller decrease in LogMAR visual acuity for 2 years, whereas there was no significant difference in patients with larger choroidal neovascular membrane (>1.5 mm(2)) or poorer visual acuity (<60/200).

Conclusions: Radiotherapy appeared to have a favorable treatment effect in eyes with subfoveal neovascular membrane associated with AMD. Favorable factors for radiotherapy were a smaller area of choroidal neovascular membrane and better visual acuity.