Phase II trial shows epiretinal brachytherapy + bevacizumab improves VA

NeoVista Inc's epiretinal brachytherapy for wet AMD in combination with Avastin (bevacizumab) has been shown to improve mean visual acuity (VA) in patients, with adverse events restricted to vitrectomy-related problems and not to radiation toxicity, according to results of a Phase II trial presented at the 31st Annual Macula Society Meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, US.

Researchers in the trial treated 34 eyes showing choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with an injection of Avastin, followed by a single dose (24 Gy) of the epiretinal brachytherapy. Patients received an additional dose of Avastin approximately one month later.

Thirty-three patients completed one year of follow-up, during which 76% required no further Avastin injections, and after which the mean VA improvement experienced was 10 letters on the ETDRS scale, with 94% losing fewer than 15 letters and 12% gaining 30 or more letters.

The next phase of the non-randomized, multicentre feasibility study, CABERNET (CNV Secondary to AMD Treated with BEta RadiatioN Epiretinal Therapy), will be to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NeoVista's therapy with Lucentis (ranibizumab) versus Lucentis alone.