Surgical Observations from the First 120 Cases of Subretinal Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Diseases

Abstract

Purpose:To report surgical observations formulated during the first 120 cases of subretinal gene therapy in patients with inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs).Methods:A two-surgeon team compiled surgical observations and formulated surgical pearls based on the consecutive cases of subretinal viral vector injection in patients enrolled in clinical trials focusing on choroideremia, achromatopsia, and RP GTPase regulator associated retinitis pigmentosa, as well as patients with retinal pigment epithelium-specific-65-kDa (RPE65) associated Leber congenital amaurosis receiving Food and Drug Administration-approved voretigene neparvovec-rzyl therapy.Results:One hundred twenty subretinal surgeries were performed by a two-surgeon team. Key anatomical features pertinent to surgical management were noted and are described in this article. Surgical decision making for successful subretinal administration of viral vectors and management of potential surgical challenges were formulated.Conclusion:Lessons learned during subretinal gene therapy cases may be helpful to other surgeons entering clinical trials or performing postapproval gene therapy administration. Surgical pearls outlined in this article may also be helpful for other targeted subretinal therapies, such as cellular transplantation or retinal prosthesis implantation.