Verteporfin photodynamic therapy moderately slows progression of wet AMD

December 12, 2002

OTTAWA - Verteporfin photodynamic therapy treatment for two years for patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) modestly reduces the incidence of legal central blindness, a technology report released today by the Canadian Coordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment has concluded.

AMD is a disease that causes permanent central blindness through the deterioration of the macula, the retinal area responsible for high resolution central vision. Loss of vision from AMD affects the ability to recognize faces, read and drive. It has a significant impact on individual functioning and quality of life. Wet AMD accounts for approximately 10% of all AMD cases. In 2001, it was estimated there were more than 100,000 Canadians with wet AMD.

Verteporfin photodynamic therapy is currently approved for use only in a minority of individuals with wet AMD, based on the location and appearance of lesions beneath the retina. The drug verteporfin is given intravenously and activated by light from a laser. The resulting free radicals are believed to destroy blood vessels causing lesions and prevent their further growth. Total costs for treatment and follow-up over two years range from $10,780 to $14,450 per patient.

Individuals seeking treatment should be aware that treatment is not aimed at restoring vision. The majority of treated individuals will continue to lose visual acuity. The direct impact of this treatment on quality of life and the ability to function (e.g. read, recognize faces) with decreased central vision is not known.

CCOHTA's systematic review of the evidence identified 96 reports. Of these, two reports describing three high quality randomized controlled trials involving 948 participants met the eligibility criteria for analysis.
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This publication is available online.

For further information contact Kirk Fergusson: 613 226-2553 ext. 276