Photodynamic therapy for conditions of the eye

摘要

The use of a combination of photodynamic therapy and an anti-VEGF agent in the treatment of conditions characterized by unwanted choroidal neovasculature is described. These conditions include wet age-related macular degeneration Preferred anti-VEGF agents are antibodies such as bevacizumab or ranibizumab Photosensitizers may be selected from green porphyrins such as BPD-MA (verteporfin) and the photodynamic activation of the photo sensitizer may be accomplished using a reduced fluence rate. The use may further comprises an anti-inflammatory agent such as dexamethasone.

主权项

1. A method for treating unwanted choroidal neovasculature (CNV) in a human subject using photodynamic therapy (PDT), said method comprising:
(a) administering BPD-MA to said subject afflicted with said neovasculature in an amount effective to permit an effective amount to localize in said ocular target tissue, and irradiating said target tissue with electromagnetic radiation containing a wavelength absorbable by said BPD-MA, (b) administering to said subject an effective amount of ranibizumab, wherein said administering of said ranibizumab takes place in a shortened time period subsequent to step (a), and wherein closure of CNV in said subject is effected, wherein said method is further selected from the group consisting of:
i) administering BPD-MA and irradiating at 300 mW/cm2 for about 83 seconds to deliver 25 J/cm2, followed within about two hours by administration of intravitreal ranibizumab;ii) administering BPD-MA and irradiating at about 300 mW/cm2 for about 83 seconds to deliver 25 J/cm2, followed within about two hours by intravitreal ranibizumab, followed by administration of intravitreal dexamethasone; andiii) administering BPD-MA and irradiating at 180 mW/cm2 for about 83 seconds to deliver 15 J/cm2 followed within about two hours by intravitreal ranibizumab, followed by administration of intravitreal dexamethasone.