Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema in Eyes Previously Treated With Ranibizumab and/or Bevacizumab May Further Improve Macular Thickness

Abstract

Background and objective: To evaluate the short-term anatomic and visual outcomes after aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY) in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) previously treated with ranibizumab (Lucentis; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) and/or bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA).

Patients and methods: A single-center, retrospective, noncomparative study of 30 eyes in 23 patients with DME treated with prior ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab before switching to aflibercept.

Results: Eyes received an average of 16 prior injections (range: three injections to 31 injections; median: 17 injections). The mean central subfoveal thickness (CST) improved from 453 µm at the time of first anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injection (range: 304 µm to 686 µm; median: 429 µm), to 374 µm at the time of the switch to aflibercept (range: 267 µm to 547 µm; median: 361 µm; P = .02), to 332 µm after the first aflibercept injection (range: 242 µm to 545 µm; median: 318 µm; P < .001). Visual acuity improved after switching to aflibercept at the first follow-up visit (logMAR 0.40 [Snellen equivalent 20/50]) to logMAR 0.35 (Snellen equivalent 20/45) (P = .044).

Conclusions: In eyes with persistent DME treated with ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab, switching to aflibercept may further improve macular thickness. Given the cost difference between the three drugs, a randomized trial evaluating a stepwise approach may be worthwhile. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:836-839.].