Switching between ranibizumab and aflibercept for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration

Abstract

The introduction of antivascular endothelial growth factor agents such as ranibizumab and aflibercept has revolutionized the management of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. A number of randomized clinical trials have shown that ranibizumab and aflibercept produce similar efficacy and safety outcomes. Most of the switching studies published to date show that efficacy benefits are uncontrolled, retrospective trials with limitations in terms of their selection, monitoring, numbers, and assessment criteria. Based on the published literature to date, we propose arguments for and against switching antivascular endothelial growth factor agents, provide our own perspective on this topic, and suggest a focus for future research.

Keywords: aflibercept; age-related macular degeneration; eylea; lucentis; ranibizumab; refractory; switch; vascular endothelial growth factor.