Avastin Compares to Lucentis
February 18, 2010
Finally a small study is confirming what many of us have been suspecting; Avastin, for the treatment of wet macular degeneration, is clinically comparable to Lucentis.
In a retrospective study, over 450 patient charts were reviewed. All were treated with either bevacizumab (Avastin) or ranibizumab (Lucentis). The authors found that the clinical outcomes were similar as were adverse events. Patients receiving bevacizumab required fewer injections over the course of a year.
What Dose This Mean? Cost seems, now, to be the only barrier for use. Avastin is much cheaper than Lucentis. This is the first study that indicates clinical similarity; a more formal prospective trial comparing the two drugs head to head will complete in 2011. It does; however, validate the off-label use of Avastin by retina specialists.
Retina Specialist
Fairfax, Virginia
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