Medicina Fluminensis, Vol. 53 No. 2, 2017.
Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2017_179759
Bevacizumab and corneal pathology
Marijana Bilen Babić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3853-6794
; Klinika za oftalmologiju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Maja Merlak
; Klinika za oftalmologiju, KBC Rijeka, Rijeka
Sažetak
The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the current literature on anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) bevacizumab therapy for corneal neovascular disorders. Cornea is unique avascular, immunoprivileged connective tissue that acts as transparent mechanical barrier and the anterior eye refractive surface. Corneal neovascularizations (NV) are caused by chronic corneal ischemia with pathological ingrowth of perylimbal blood vessels into the cornea. Abnormal blood vessels cause scarring of the cornea and compromise visual acuity. Pathological conditions that cause corneal neoangiogenesis are: chemical burns, ischemia, infections, degeneration, trauma and immune processes. Corneal neovascularization occurs because of corneal pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors disequilibrium. The former treatment of corneal NV does not target the molecular mediators of angiogenesis. VEGF-A is the main regulator of angiogenesis. Bevacizumab recognizes all VEGF isoforms. Studies have demonstrated partial reduction of neovascularization through topical, subconjunctival and intrastromal bevacizumab application. Bevacizumab can be used in corneal inflammatory diseases, infections and traumatic/iatrogenic causes. Anti-VEGF agents have created enormous hope for the treatment of corneal neovascularization. Treatment of corneal NV with anti-VEGF antibody has limits and depends on the size of the scar, durability and range of neovascularization. Anti-VEGF agents are especially effective when administered early (less then 2 weeks in neoangiogenesis). Controlled prospective studies are needed to establish long-term safety, efficacy and minimum effective and maximum security concentration of the drug to treat neovascularisation of anterior eye segment.
Ključne riječi
bevacizumab; cornea; corneal diseases; vascular endothelial growth factors
Hrčak ID:
179759
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.6.2017.
Posjeta: 2.432 *