Can the anti-VEGF drug Avastin be used to treat PXE?
Avastin received FDA approval in December 2004 for intravenous use for the treatment of colon cancer. Because Avastin´s molecular structure is similar to that of Lucentis, and in the absence of the availability of Lucentis while waiting for FDA approval, Avastin was given in the eye intravitreally in an off-label use to treat wet AMD. Both Lucentis and Avastin target a specific type of protein thought to cause abnormal blood vessel growth. Genentech, the manufacturer of both Avastin and Lucentis, does not plan to submit Avastin for FDA approval for treatment of wet AMD. There have been no clinical trials of Avastin in AMD or in PXE. For a more detailed description of Avastin´s use in the treatment of wet AMD, see the article titled Treatments for Retinal Bleeding Caused by PXE from our Summer 2006 MemberGram. [September 2006] RETURN TO TOP 5. What is the difference between hot laser and cold laser? Hot (conventional or thermal) and cold (photodynamic) lasers differ in wavelength. This
