Intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab, IVB) is more effective for myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV) than photodynamic therapy (PDT), according to a new study. Extreme myopia may result in degenerative changes of the retina. These degenerative changes may lead to complications such as retinal detachment or macular degeneration. Degenerative...

Central retinal thickness (CRT) and age have prognostic value in Avastin (bevacizumab) therapy of macular edema (ME) due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), according to a new study. Retinal vein occlusion is a common cause of sudden vision loss in adults. With CRVO the major vein draining blood from the retina becomes obstructed, causing...

A paper reports on two cases of fever following anti-VEGF injection. In the first case, a 76-year-old woman in good general health developed a fever (38.5-39.5° C) and chills 2-4 days following intravitreal injection of Avastin (bevacizumab) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The visual acuity was stable during the fever without...

A recent report from Greece of two cases of miscarriage following Avastin (bevacizumab) injection raise concerns about possible risks of anti-VEGF therapy in women of child bearing age. The researchers report two cases of women who suffered an early loss of pregnancy following intravitreal Avastin injection. The fist case is of a 29-year-old...

Intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab) proved effective in treating refractory uveitic macular edema, according to a study. "Uveitis is a major cause of ocular morbidity in developed countries," the study authors said. "It has been demonstrated that macular edema is a significant cause of decreased visual acuity in these patients." The...

Intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab) injection yielded positive long-term clinical and visual outcomes in eyes with various inflammatory ocular diseases, according to a new study. Anti-VEGF treatment may be superior to previous therapies, with an improvement of more than two lines in [best corrected visual acuity] and significant foveal...

As the debate rages over whether Lucentis or Avastin is the drug of choice for treating wet AMD, several papers appeared in the literature this past month that adds fuel to the fire. The new research makes choosing between these two drugs more difficult than ever. First, a retrospective chart review appearing in the British Journal of...

Using OCT measurements of patients with macular edema secondary to diabetes and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) a new study finds that the anti-VEGF effects of Avastin (bevacizumab) requires approximately 24 h to become active and persist for 2–3 weeks. Subjects with diabetic macular edema (DME) or exudative AMD received intravitreal...

A new study finds that Avastin (bevacizumab) and Lucentis (ranibizumab) are equally effective at reducing central foveal point thickness (CFPT) and macular volume, but Avastin has a longer duration of action. Avastin is a monoclonal antibody against all isoforms of VEGF. It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of colorectal cancer. In 2005,...

Systemic infusion of Avastin (bevacizumab) may be offered to some patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who refuse or cannot receive intravitreal injections, according to a study. The strategy may be especially advantageous for patients with bilateral neovascularization; however, "due to its systemic side effects, expensive...