歯学ジャーナル
オープンアクセス

概要

Overview of Bevacizumab (Avastin) Utility against Neovascularization in Corneal Keratoplasty

Po-Yuan Chen

Neovascularization is a primary risk factor in keratoplasty. Multiple measures were implemented to prevent vascularized cornea, including bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) treatment. Bevacizumab inhibits angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, and induce vasoconstrictive effect. There are different modalities of administration of Bevacizumab, including topical pathway, which is administered is less invasively but were doubted of its efficacy due to its penetration rate of the corneal epithelium tight junctions of intact cornea. Intrastromal (corneal) injection is expected to increase the concentration and exposure time of the drug in the stromal layers, providing a more effective exposure than topical or subconjunctival application. Besides, early administration of anti-VEGF factor for early highrisk patients of possible NV showed better clinical result. Ophthalmologists should consider every aspect of the patient’s clinical status before deciding whether and how bevacizumab is given in a corneal graft recipient.