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Abstract
Evaluation of: Tufail A, Patel PJ, Egan C et al.; ABC Trial Investigators. Bevacizumab for neovascular age related macular degeneration (ABC trial): multicentre randomised double masked study. BMJ 340, c2459 (2010).
The ABC trial is the first multicenter, randomized clinical trial that addresses the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin®, Genentech, Inc., CA, USA) in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The trial showed that an initial loading dose of three intravitreal injections of Avastin 1.25 mg at 6-week intervals, followed by a 6-weekly variable retreatment regimen, according to strict functional and anatomic criteria for up to 1 year, is safe and effective. The results are in line with those reported previously in the pivotal ranibizumab (Lucentis®, Genentech, Inc.) trials following monthly intravitreal injections. The trial also exemplifies the paradigm shift in primary end point selection and patient expectation that the arrival of anti-VEGF agents, such as Lucentis and Avastin, has allowed for. Instead of visual stabilization and retardation of visual loss, patients and physicians now expect visual improvement following treatment. Such expectation was almost unrealistic prior to the availability of these agents.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.