The remote effects of intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy

Objective: To study the effects of intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) therapy with Avastin for wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)-related symptoms. Methods: An exploratory trial was conducted from August 1, 2013 to February 1, 2014, that included 14 male patients previously diagnosed with BPH, who were aged between 59 and 69 years. The trial was performed in Bucharest and involved two medical institutions: the Clinical Hospital of Eye Emergencies and the “Prof. Dr. Theodor Burghele” Hospital. This prospective study utilized both objective and subjective indicators to analyze the link between intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for wet AMD and BPH. The evaluations consisted of uroflowmetry and International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) assessments. Results: The maximum flow rate (Qmax) improved by an average of 5.05 ml/ sec in 9 patients, whereas the remaining 5 patients showed a slight decrease in Qmax (mean 1.6 ml/ sec). The I-PSS score improved, with an overall decrease of 1.18 points at follow-up compared to the initial score (mean initial score = 2.42; mean follow-up score = 1.24). Conclusion: The analysis revealed that anti-VEGF therapy for wet AMD had a significant positive effect on all BPH-related symptoms; patients reported improved urinary streams and decreased nocturia. Abbreviations: BPH = benign prostatic hyperplasia, AMD = age-related macular degeneration, VEGF = vascular endothelial growth factor, I-PSS = international prostate symptom score, Qmax = maximum flow rate, TSP-1 = thrombospondin-1, FGF-2 = fibroblast growth factor, mRNA = precursor messenger ribonucleic acid, PSA = prostate-specific antigen, DRE = digital rectal examination, AUR = acute urinary retention, COX2 = cyclooxygenase 2, QoL = quality of life