Photodvnamic tlieiapy for choioidal neovasculansation m a phase I/I I study prelimmarv results of multiple treatments

Purpose. Photodvnanne therapy (PDT) applied as a single treatment provided immediate absence of leakage from classic CNY followed by recurrence in most eyes in 3 months Safetx and vasoocclusive potential of repeated PDT treatments were evaluated Methods 42 patients were treated with 100 J/cm ² light 15 lo 20 minutes after administration of orng-ni- BPD-MA Retreatment up to 3 times was performed on angiographie evidence of recurrence at 2-4 or 8 week intervals Results As seen with a smyle treatment repeated PDT achieved maintenance of mean visual acuity (1/-2 lines) at 3 months after the last treatment course Each treatment course provided complete absence of leakage at I week with partial recurrence after 4 and 12 weeks Area of classic CNY leakage was less after retreatment than after the initial PDT KPE atropbv seemed to be increased in some eyes Conclusions Multiple tiedtments at short intervals did not compromise visual acuity or the thromhotic efficacy of PDT Persistent absence of leakage from CNV was not increased In additional PDT courses Area of leakage from recurrence was reduced with retreatment but this needs confirmation by a randomised clinical trial Longterm stabilization of visual acuitv in CNV might be achieved with repeated PDT applications at extended intervals.