Long-term response to anti-VEGF therapy for DME can be predicted by 12 Weeks

Long-term response to anti-VEGF therapy in DME may be predicted after 3 injections, said Pravin U. Dugel, MD, during the Retina Subspecialty Day at AAO 2015 in Las Vegas.

Dr. Dugel and his colleagues conducted a post-hoc analysis of the DRCR.net Protocol I study, categorizing study eyes by BCVA response (<5, 5-9, ≥10 letter improvement) after 3 monthly injections at 12 weeks.

The results were striking: Patients with strong early response (≥10 letters at week 12) maintained this strong response over time. Dr. Dugel said that those with limited improvements (<5 letter gain) after 3 injections also showed limited improvement for the entire 3-year study. He also noted that patients with <5 letter improvement after 3 injections received less total benefit over the study duration.

Based on these results, Dr. Dugel said that clinicians may want to consider therapies with alternative modes of action in inadequately responsive DME patients—as soon as after 3 injections.

Although this study was based on DRCR.net data, Dr. Dugel said that he and his colleagues are responsible for the analysis. It has not been reviewed or approved by the DRCR.net.