Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy treatment options: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Combined treatment with intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) is widely used for patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), although clinical evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy and safety of such treatment remains lacking. Design/Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of previously reported studies comparing combination treatment, PDT monotherapy, and anti-VEGF monotherapy. Primary outcome measures included changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT). The proportion of patients with polyp regression was regarded as the secondary outcome measure. Results: Twenty studies (three RCTs and 19 retrospective studies) involving 1,178 patients with PCV were selected. Significant differences in the proportion of patients with polyps were observed between the PDT and anti-VEGF monotherapy groups at 3 and ≥6 months (P