Retina Specialist Discusses Treatment Options for Wet AMD and DME
Dr. Ehsan Rahimy, a retina specialist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and adjunct faculty at Stanford University School of Medicine, recently discussed clinical case scenarios involving patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME).
In one case scenario, a 65-year-old Caucasian female with neovascular AMD saw significant improvements in visual acuity and central subfield thickness after receiving monthly injections of bevacizumab. Dr. Rahimy stressed the importance of utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to assess biomarkers like intraretinal fluid and pigment epithelial detachment.
The discussion also touched on the evolving landscape of treatment options for AMD and DME, including the use of biosimilars. While agents like ranibizumab, aflibercept, and faricimab have proven effective, cost considerations often lead physicians to start with bevacizumab. However, there is flexibility to switch to preferred agents based on patient response, although payer mandates for biosimilars after bevacizumab failure are becoming more common.
Dr. Rahimy emphasized the importance of recognizing the advancements in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies while considering practicalities such as treatment selection and payer preferences in clinical practice. Overall, the discussion highlighted the need for a balance between cost-conscious treatment strategies and optimal patient outcomes.
The video synopsis provides valuable insights into the complexities of managing AMD and DME, offering a comprehensive overview of the current treatment landscape.
