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The following is a summary of “Factors involved in Anti-VEGF treatment decisions for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: Insights from real-world clinical practice,” published in the June 2024 issue of Ophthalmology by Yiu et al.
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents are commonly used to treat neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). While patient choices of anti-VEGF agents have been studied, less is known about what influences doctors’ preferences.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to uncover the factors that affect physicians’ choices of anti-VEGF agents for patients with nAMD.
They used data from the Adelphi Real World nAMD Disease Specific ProgrammeTM, a U.S. Survey of 56 doctors and 451 patients (October 2021 to May 2022). Doctors shared details about anti-VEGF treatments, factors influencing the choices, treatment strategies, and any restrictions on specific agents.
The results showed that the doctors preferred the “treat-and-extend” strategy over “fixed interval” or “pro re nata” but used it for less than half of nAMD cases. Key factors in choosing anti-VEGF treatments were clinical benefits, patient convenience, and cost reduction. However, obstacles like approved agent restrictions and insurance gaps were also present. Persistent fluid was the top reason for switching treatments.
Investigators concluded that doctors struggled to prescribe the preferred anti-VEGF treatments in real-world settings. Addressing the barriers could lead to better outcomes for patients with nAMD.
