Vascular endothelial growth factor antagonist therapy for retinopathy of prematurity

Clin Perinatol. 2014 Dec;41(4):925-43. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2014.08.011. Epub 2014 Sep 23.

Abstract

In this article, the growing problem of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) worldwide, treatments for severe ROP including standard-of-care laser treatment, and the need for new treatments are discussed. Also discussed are the reasons to consider inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway in severe ROP and the concerns about broad VEGF inhibition. Finally, the potential role of VEGF in ROP based on studies in animal models of oxygen-induced retinopathy, the effects of anti-VEGF based on basic research data, and the clinical relevance of these data are covered.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Bevacizumab; Intravitreal neovascularization (IVNV); Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR); Physiologic retinal vascular development (PRVD); Vascular endothelial growth factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Laser Therapy / methods*
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / methods
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / prevention & control
  • Retinopathy of Prematurity / therapy*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Bevacizumab