TAP moves to VIP: a new trial on treatment of CNV with photodynamic therapy

A phase 3 randomised multicentre double blind trial has commenced (March 1998) on the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), with Verteporfin (BPD-MA), of subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) in age related macular degeneration and in pathological myopia. Twenty eight centres in the USA and Europe are involved with two centres in the UK at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and St Paul’s Eye Hospital, Liverpool.

PDT with Verteporfin is a selective laser treatment for CNV that combines a photochemical dye and non-thermal laser irradiation to produce vascular occlusion. The photosensitive dye is injected intravenously and localises selectively in areas of new vessels where it is activated by a low energy diode laser with the generation of free radicals which presumably induce intravascular thrombosis. Non-selective conventional thermal laser destroys both neurosensory retina and underlying subfoveal CNV which often produces an immediate drop in visual acuity. PDT with Verteporfin may be a less destructive, more selective way to treat subfoveal CNV.

Both UK centres are actively seeking patient referral and further inquiries regarding this study (VIP: Verteporfin in Photodynamic Therapy) should be directed to Miss Jennifer Arnold, Mr Dara Kilmartin, Dr John Olson, or Ms Rhona McKechnie at the Eye Clinic, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN; or to Mr Simon Harding or Ms Sandy Murphy, at 8Z Link, St Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescott Street, Liverpool L78XP.

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