Pegaptanib efficacious and non-toxic for ROP

Anti-VEGF therapy pegaptanib is efficacious and non-toxic for patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), states a recent study.

Dr Helen A. Mintz-Hittner et al., Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Robert Cizik Eye Centre, University of Texas, Health Science Centre at Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA, conducted a prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients were split into those with ROP and a control group.

Using pegaptanib with laser therapy was efficacious in 91.2% of affected patients, compared to 69% of the control patients. Bevacizumab monotherapy was efficacious in 95.7% in affected patients, compared to 78.1% in controls.

Both anti-VEGF treatments were effective in treating ROP and there have been no toxicity incidences reported so far.

The European Journal of Ophthalmology. features the abstract in its latest issue.