Eye and Brain (Aug 2019)
Evidence to date: ranibizumab and its potential in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity
Abstract
Samir N Patel, Michael A KlufasThe Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Mid Atlantic Retina, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USACorrespondence: Michael A KlufasThe Retina Service of Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 1020, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USATel +1 800 331 6634Fax +1 215 825 9087Email [email protected]: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading and preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Although laser photocoagulation remains the gold standard for treatment, the off-label use of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy to treat ROP, particularly posterior zone I disease, is increasing. Although initial studies on anti-VEGF therapy for ROP have focused on bevacizumab, recent studies have proposed that ranibizumab may be a safer and more effective alternative for use in this population. This review updates recent evidence regarding the use of ranibizumab in the management of ROP.Keywords: retinopathy of prematurity, ranibizumab, bevacizumab, Lucentis, Avastin, vascular endothelial growth factor, RAINBOW, BEAT-ROP, anti-VEGF
