skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

8838

Age-related macular degeneration: experimental and emerging treatments

Review

(3958) Views  (979) Full article downloads

Authors: Jean Pierre Hubschman, Shantan Reddy, Steven D Schwartz

Published Date January 2009 Volume 2009:3 Pages 167 - 174
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S5156

Jean Pierre Hubschman, Shantan Reddy, Steven D Schwartz

Jules Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA

Purpose: This essay reviews the experimental treatments and new imaging modalities that are currently being explored by investigators to help treat patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Design: Interpretative essay.

Methods: Literature review and interpretation.

Results: Experimental treatments to preserve vision in patients with exudative AMD include blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), binding VEGF, and modulating the VEGF receptors. Investigators are also attempting to block signal transduction with receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Experimental treatments for non-exudative AMD include agents that target inflammation, oxidative stress, and implement immune-modulation. The effectiveness of these newer pharmacologic agents has the potential to grow exponentially when used in combination with new and improved imaging modalities that can help identify disease earlier and follow treatment response more precisely.

Conclusion: With a better understanding, at the genetic and molecular level, of AMD and the development of superior imaging modalities, investigators are able to offer treatment options that may offer unprecedented visual gains while reducing the need for repetitive treatments.

Keywords: age-related macular degeneration, VEGF, SiRNA, PEDF






 

Other articles by Dr Jean-Pierre Hubschman



Readers of this article also read:

Age-related macular degeneration: current treatments
Treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: Current therapies
Antiglaucoma drugs for achieving monovision after laser in situ keratomileusis
Evidence-based decision-making within the context of globalization: A “Why–What–How” for leaders and managers of health care organizations
Role of aliskiren in cardio-renal protection and use in hypertensives with multiple risk factors
Comparative studies of RNFL thickness measured by OCT with global index of visual fields in patients with ocular hypertension and early open angle glaucoma
Bevacizumab (Avastin®) for the management of anterior chamber neovascularization and neovascular glaucoma
Spectacle independence and subjective satisfaction of ReSTOR® multifocal intraocular lens after cataract or presbyopia surgery in two European countries
Revisiting corneal topography for the diagnosis of keratoconus: use of Rabinowitz's KISA% index
Effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT), posterior subtenon injection of triamcinolone acetonide with PDT, and intravitreal injection of ranibizumab with PDT for retinal angiomatous proliferation