Abstract
In this pilot study the effect of radiation therapy on subfoveal CNV membranes associated with age-related macular degeneration was evaluated. Four groups of 10 patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy (16 MV photons) on an area of 1 cm2 (macular region) using a lens-sparing technique and total dose of 8 to 24 Gy. The first group received 8 Gy in a single fraction. In this group only 30% had a stable visual acuity and a stable FA after 18 months follow-up. In 50% of patients in group 2 (12 Gy) and 40% of patients in group 3 (18 Gy) the visual acuity and FA appearance remained stable after 18 months of follow-up. In the last group (24 Gy) 80% of patients had a stable visual acuity and FA appearance after 12 months follow-up. Comparison of these findings with the natural history data of subfoveal age-related CNV, suggests a beneficial effect of radiation therapy with a total dose of 12 Gy or more on the progression of CNV membranes.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Abbreviations
- AMD:
-
Age-related macular degeneration
- CNV:
-
Choroidal neovascularisation
- FA:
-
Fluorescein angiogram
References
Bressler NM, Bressler SB and Fine SL. Age-related macular degeneration. Surv Ophthalmol 1988; 32: 375–412.
Coscas G, Soubrane G, Ramahefasolo C, Fardeau C. Perifoveal lasertreatment for subfoveal choroidal new vessels in age-related macular degeneration: results of a randomized clinical trial. Arch Ophthalmol 1991; 109: 1258–1265.
Freund KB, Yannuzzi LA and Sorenson JA. Age-related macular degeneration and choroidal neovascularisation. Am J Ophthalmol 1993; 115: 786–791.
Archer DB, Amoaku WMK and Gardiner TA. Radiation retinopathy - clinical, histopathological, ultrastructural and experimental correlations. Eye 1991; 5: 239–251.
Brink HMA. Uveal metastases. Thesis, Nijmegen, University of Nijmegen (1992).
Macular Photocoagulation Study Group. Laser photocoagulation of subfoveal neovascular lesions in age-related macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol 1991; 109: 1220–1231.
Macular Photocoagulation Study Group. Subfoveal neovascular lesions in age-related macular degeneration: guidelines for evaluation and treatment in the macular photocoagulation study. Arch Ophthalmol 1991; 109: 1242–1257.
Bird AC. Bruch's membrane change with age. Br J Ophthalmol 1992; 76: 166–168.
Bressler NM, Frost LA, Bressler SB, Murphy RP and Fine SL. Natural course of poorly defined choroidal neovascularisation associated with macular degeneration. Arch Ophthalmol 1988; 106: 1537–1542.
Guyer DR, Fine SL, Maguine MG, Hawkins BS, Owens SL and Murphy RP. Subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration. Visual prognosis in eyes with relatively good visual acuity. Arch Ophthalmol 1986; 104: 702–705.
Singerman LJ and Stockfsh JH. Natural history of subfoveal pigment epithelial detachments associated with subfoveal or unidentifiable choroidal neovascularisation complicating age-related macular degeneration. Graefe's Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 1989; 227: 501–507.
Chakravarthy U, Houston RF and Azeker DB. Treatment of age-related subfoveal neovascular membranes by teletherapy: a pilot study. Br J Ophthalmol 1993; 77: 265–273.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bergink, G.J., Deutman, A.F., Van Den Broek, J.E.C.M. et al. Radiation therapy for age-related subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes. Doc Ophthalmol 90, 67–74 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01203296
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01203296