Archway Phase 3 Trial of the Port Delivery System with Ranibizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration 2-Year Results.

PURPOSE: To report 2-year results from the Archway clinical trial of the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab (PDS) for treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). DESIGN: Phase 3, randomized, multicenter, open-label, active-comparator-controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with previously treated nAMD diagnosed within 9 months of screening and responsive to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. METHODS: Patients were randomized 3:2 to PDS with ranibizumab 100 mg/ml with fixed refill-exchanges every 24 weeks (PDS Q24W) or intravitreal ranibizumab 0.5 mg injections every 4 weeks (monthly ranibizumab). Patients were followed through 4 complete refill-exchange intervals (∼2 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter score from baseline averaged over weeks 44 and 48, weeks 60 and 64, and weeks 88 and 92 (noninferiority margin, -3.9 ETDRS letters). RESULTS: The PDS Q24W was noninferior to monthly ranibizumab, with differences in adjusted mean change in BCVA score from baseline averaged over weeks 44/48, 60/64 and 88/92 of -0.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.8 to +1.3), +0.4 (95% CI, -1.4 to +2.1) and -0.6 ETDRS letters (95% CI, -2.5 to +1.3), respectively. Anatomic outcomes were generally comparable between arms through week 96. Through each of 4 PDS refill-exchange intervals, 98.4%, 94.6%, 94.8%, and 94.7% of PDS Q24W patients assessed did not receive supplemental ranibizumab treatment. The PDS ocular safety profile was generally unchanged from primary analysis. Prespecified ocular adverse events of special interest (AESI) were reported in 59 (23.8%) PDS and 17 (10.2%) monthly ranibizumab patients. The most common AESI reported in both arms was cataract (PDS Q24W, 22 [8.9%]; monthly ranibizumab, 10 [6.0%]). Events in the PDS Q24W arm included (patient incidence) 10 (4.0%) conjunctival erosions, 6 (2.4%) conjunctival retractions, 4 (1.6%) endophthalmitis cases, and 4 (1.6%) implant dislocations. Serum ranibizumab sampling showed that the PDS continuously released ranibizumab over the 24-week refill-exchange interval and ranibizumab serum concentrations were within the range experienced with monthly ranibizumab. CONCLUSIONS: The PDS Q24W showed noninferior efficacy to monthly ranibizumab through approximately 2 years, with approximately 95% of PDS Q24W patients not receiving supplemental ranibizumab treatment in each refill-exchange interval. The AESIs were generally manageable, with learnings continually implemented to minimize PDS-related AEs. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Implantation Site of a Port Delivery System With Ranibizumab: Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Evaluation.

Purpose: To determine whether anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) can be used to obtain noninvasive high-resolution images for monitoring the implantation site of a port delivery system with ranibizumab (PDS). Methods: Six eyes from the Archway phase 3 trial were imaged with AS-OCT after surgical implantation of the PDS and at regular follow-up visits. Results: AS-OCT was helpful in monitoring the status of the overlying conjunctiva and Tenon capsule after implantation of the PDS. Minimal qualitative thinning was observed over the implants at the longest follow-up. No cases of conjunctival erosion were noted. Conclusions: AS-OCT can be used to help to monitor PDS implants and potential associated complications.

Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Study of Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor THR-149 for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of a single intravitreal injection of 3 dose levels of THR-149 in adults with center-involved diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: A phase 1, open-label, multicenter 3 + 3 dose-esclation study with 3-month follow-up. The primary endpoint was the incidence of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) up to and including the Day 14 visit. Additional key endpoints included the incidence of (serious) adverse events ([S]AEs), mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central subfield thickness (CST), and additional imaging parameters on widefield fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography. Results: Twelve subjects were treated: 3 subjects received THR-149 0.005 mg, 3 received 0.022 mg and 6 received 0.13 mg. Baseline ocular characteristics were balanced between subjects at each dose level. There were no DLTs or ocular SAEs, and all subjects completed the study. Six subjects experienced a total of 10 AEs in the study eye; 1 case of mild anterior chamber inflammation was deemed related to THR-149 and/or the injection procedure. Mean change from Baseline in BCVA was +7.5 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters on Day 14, and +6.4 ETDRS letters by Month 3. CST was variable, and mean CST change from baseline was +30.0 µm at Month 3. There were no clinically meaningful changes in imaging parameters. Conclusions: THR-149 was safe and well tolerated; preliminary efficacy in terms of BCVA improvement was observed. Translational Relevance: This work bridges the gap between basic research and clinical care by providing first in human safety and preliminary efficacy data, supporting the further investigation of THR-149 as a potential treatment for DME.

Safety and Tolerability of Intravitreal Carotuximab (DE-122) in Patients With Persistent Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Phase I Study.

Purpose: Carotuximab (DE-122) is a novel endoglin antibody that exhibits potent anti-angiogenic activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a single intravitreal injection of four ascending doses of carotuximab in patients with persistent exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: In an open-label, dose-escalating, sequential cohort study, patients with persistent exudative AMD were assigned to an intravitreal injection of carotuximab 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, or 4.0 mg (n = 3 per group). Safety and change in central subfield thickness (CST), as measured by spectral domain-optical coherence tomography, were assessed from baseline until day 90. Rescue therapy with an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor medication was allowed on days 8, 30, and 60. Results: Seven patients (58%) experienced at least one adverse event (AE), including five patients (41.7%) who experienced one or more AEs in the study eye and two patients (16.7%) who experienced one or more non-ocular AEs. Posterior eye deposits were reported in one patient 2 days after receiving 1.0 mg, but they resolved spontaneously by day 43. A >50-µm reduction in CST on two consecutive visits was observed in four patients (33%), including one patient in each dose cohort. Conclusions: In this study, carotuximab was generally well tolerated, with no serious AEs reported, when administered as a single intravitreal injection to patients with persistent exudative AMD. Translational Relevance: Further characterization of the safety and efficacy of carotuximab will be needed to determine what role it may have in the treatment of exudative AMD.

Arthropod entombment in weathering-formed opal: new horizons for recording life in rocks.

Animal fossils preserved in various geological materials, such as limestone, claystone, or amber, provide detailed information on extinct species that is indispensable for retracing the evolution of terrestrial life. Here, we present the first record of an animal fossil preserved in opal formed by weathering with such high-resolution details that even individual cuticle hairs are observed. The fossil consists of the exoskeleton of a nymphal insect belonging to the order Hemiptera and either the family Tettigarctidae or the Cicadidae. This identification is based on anatomical details such as the tibial and femoral morphology of the forelegs. The exoskeleton of the insect was primarily zeolitized during the alteration of the host rocks and later sealed in opal deposited by silica-rich fluids derived from the continental weathering of the volcanic host rocks. Organic matter is preserved in the form of amorphous carbon. This finding makes opal formed by rocks weathering a new, complementary source of animal fossils, offering new prospects for the search for ancient life in the early history of Earth and possibly other terrestrial planets such as Mars, where weathering-formed opal occurs.

Safety and Efficacy of Different Doses and Regimens of Faricimab vs Ranibizumab in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: The AVENUE Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Faricimab, the first bispecific antibody designed for intraocular use, simultaneously and independently binds and neutralizes angiopoietin 2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of different doses and regimens of faricimab vs ranibizumab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Design, Setting, and Participants: AVENUE was a 36-week, multiple-dose-regimen, active comparator-controlled, double-masked, phase 2 randomized clinical study performed at 58 sites in the United States. Eligible participants were anti-VEGF treatment naive with choroidal neovascularization secondary to nAMD and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter score of 73 (Snellen equivalent, 20/40) to 24 (Snellen equivalent, 20/320). Data were collected from August 11, 2015, to January 12, 2017, with the final patient visit completed September 26, 2017. Data were analyzed from August 11, 2015, to October 4, 2019. Interventions: Patients were randomized 3:2:2:2:3 to receive ranibizumab, 0.5 mg every 4 weeks (arm A [n = 68]); faricimab, 1.5 mg every 4 weeks (arm B [n = 47]); faricimab, 6.0 mg every 4 weeks (arm C [n = 42]); faricimab, 6.0 mg every 4 weeks until week 12, then faricimab, 6.0 mg every 8 weeks (arm D [n = 47]); and ranibizumab, 0.5 mg every 4 weeks until week 8, then faricimab, 6.0 mg every 4 weeks (arm E [n = 69]). Main Outcomes and Measures: Mean change in BCVA from baseline to week 36, proportion of participants gaining at least 15 letters, BCVA of 20/40 or better or 20/200 or worse, and ocular coherence tomographic outcomes in anti-VEGF treatment-naive participants (arms A, B, C, D) and from weeks 12 to 36 in those with incomplete response (participants in arms A and E with week 12 BCVA ETDRS letter score of ≤68 [Snellen equivalent, 20/50 or worse]). Results: A total of 263 participants were included in the analysis (172 [65.4%] female; 258 [98.1%] white; mean [SD] age, 78.3 [8.7] years). At week 36, adjusted mean change in BCVA vs ranibizumab was 1.6 (80% CI, -1.6 to 4.7) letters for arm B (P = .52), -1.6 (80% CI, -4.9 to 1.7) letters for arm C (P = .53), and -1.5 (80% CI, -4.6 to 1.6) letters for arm D (P = .53). For arm E, adjusted mean change from week 12 was -1.7 (80% CI, -3.8 to 0.4) letters (P = .30). Conclusions and Relevance: AVENUE did not meet its primary end point of superiority of faricimab over ranibizumab in BCVA at week 36. Although not superior to monthly ranibizumab as given in this trial, overall visual and anatomical gains noted with faricimab support pursuing phase 3 trials for a potential alternative to monthly anti-VEGF therapy. Faricimab showed no new or unexpected safety signals. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02484690.

Silicone Oil and Iodine-125 Brachytherapy for Uveal Melanoma in High-Risk Patients.

Purpose Silicone oil a burgeoning adjuvant in the treatment of uveal melanoma where it is used for tissue protection during I-125 brachytherapy. While risk factors in the development of radiation retinopathy (RR) have been identified, treatment modulation for high-risk patients has largely been overlooked. We seek to expand the literature on this subject by reporting outcomes of I-125 brachytherapy with silicone oil in a high-risk population in the community setting. Methods Five patients with uveal melanoma and at least one risk factor for RR development underwent iodine-125 (I-125) plaque brachytherapy with concurrent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), silicone oil administration, and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). Plaque and silicone oil removal were performed after seven days. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. Results Follow-up ranged from 12 to 56 months. Macular radiation doses ranged from 12.55 to 141.5 Gy; the two eyes with the largest doses developed RR at 34 and 15 months as well as neovascular glaucoma (NVG). Surgical complications included one rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD) and an intra-operative vitreous hemorrhage with post-operative hyphema requiring additional intervention. Conclusion RR may be attenuated by silicone oil administration in patients with some risk factors. In tumors farther from the macula, this benefit is more readily apparent. Tumors located more posteriorly may not benefit from silicone oil administration considering postoperative complications and operating time. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and anticipated macular radiation dosage may help determine which patients can benefit from silicone oil and identify patient risks for adverse outcomes.

Primary outcomes of the VIDI study: phase 2, double-masked, randomized, active-controlled study of ASP8232 for diabetic macular edema.

BACKGROUND: ASP8232 is a potent and specific small molecule vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) inhibitor. This study evaluated the effect of ASP8232 on excess retinal thickness when given alone or in combination with ranibizumab in patients with center-involved diabetic macular edema (CI-DME). METHODS: This was a phase 2a, placebo and sham-injection controlled, double-masked, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. Participants were patients with CI-DME and central subfield thickness (CST) ≥ 375 µm in the study eye as assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Eligible patients were randomized to (1) daily oral ASP8232 40 mg monotherapy; (2) combination therapy of daily oral ASP8232 40 mg and monthly intravitreal ranibizumab 0.3 mg; or (3) monthly intravitreal ranibizumab 0.3 mg monotherapy. The treatment period was 12 weeks. CST and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed at baseline and at Weeks 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 24. The primary outcome was the mean percent change from baseline in excess CST at Week 12. Secondary outcomes were BCVA, safety and tolerability, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of ASP8232. RESULTS: After 12 weeks, the mean (95% confidence interval) percent change in excess CST was 11.4% (- 15.0%, 37.8%) in the ASP8232 group, - 61.7% (- 86.1%, - 37.2%) in the ASP8232/ranibizumab group, and - 75.3% (- 94.8%, - 55.8%) in the ranibizumab group. The change from baseline in the two ranibizumab arms was statistically significant (P < 0.001) as was the difference between the ranibizumab groups and the ASP8232 group (P < 0.001). Mean (SD) increase in BCVA score from baseline was 3.1 (7.3) in the ASP8232 group, 5.2 (7.1) in the ASP8232/ranibizumab group, and 8.2 (9.5) in the ranibizumab group. The increase from baseline in BCVA score was statistically and clinically significant in the ranibizumab group compared with the ASP8232 group (P = 0.015). ASP8232 resulted in near complete inhibition of plasma VAP-1 activity whilst ranibizumab had no effect. CONCLUSIONS: Near complete inhibition of plasma VAP-1 activity with ASP8232 had no effect on CST in patients with CI-DME. Furthermore, combination therapy did not provide additional benefit to treatment with ranibizumab alone, which significantly reduced CST and improved BCVA.Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02302079. Registered on November 26, 2014.

Integrin α-3 ß-1's central role in breast cancer, melanoma and glioblastoma cell aggregation revealed by antibodies with blocking activity.

Breast cancer, melanoma and glioblastoma cells undergo cell-mediated aggregation and aggregate coalescence in a transparent 3D Matrigel environment. Cells from normal tissue and non-tumorigenic cell lines do not exhibit these behaviors. Here, 266 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) demonstrated to interact with a wide variety of membrane, secreted and matrix proteins, have been screened for their capacity to block these tumorigenic cell-specific behaviors in a 3D environment. Remarkably, only six of the 266 tested mAbs exhibited blocking activity, four targeting integrin ß-1, one targeting integrin α-3 and one targeting CD44. Colocalization of integrins ß-1 and α-3 in fixed cells and in live aggregates suggests that the integrin α-3 ß-1 dimer plays a central role in cancer cell aggregation in the 3D environment provided by Matrigel. Our results suggest that blocking by anti-integrin and anti-CD44 mAbs involves interference in cell-cell interactions.

A Phase 1, Open-Label, Dose-Escalation Trial to Investigate Safety and Tolerability of Single Intravitreous Injections of ICON-1 Targeting Tissue Factor in Wet AMD.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This phase 1 study evaluated the safety and tolerability of single intravitreous injections (IVIs) of ICON-1 (Iconic Therapeutics, South San Francisco, CA) in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). ICON-1 is a modified factor VIIa protein linked with the Fc portion of a human immunoglobulin G1. The molecule binds tissue factor overexpressed on choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in AMD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Open-label, interventional, dose-escalation trial in 18 patients with CNV due to AMD, with six patients per dose cohort. Patients received a single IVI of ICON-1 at baseline in one of three escalating doses: 60 µg, 150 µg, or 300 µg. Standard anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment was allowed at the investigator's discretion at least 2 weeks after the ICON-1 injection; patients were followed up to 24 weeks. Dose escalation was based on the absence of significant safety events. At each study visit, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ophthalmic examination (intraocular pressure, slit-lamp, and dilated fundus examination), and ophthalmic imaging (color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography) assessments were performed. The systemic pharmacokinetics of ICON-1 and presence of anti-ICON-1 antibodies were also assessed. RESULTS: ICON-1 was safe and well-tolerated up to the highest dose administered, which was 300 µg. Commonly reported adverse events were considered related to the IVI procedure or to the underlying nAMD. No significant systemic levels of ICON-1 or anti-ICON-1 antibodies were detected. Preliminary evidence of biological activity (improved BCVA, reduced central retinal thickness, decreased CNV size, and leakage) was most evident with the 300 µg dose at 1 to 2 weeks after the single ICON-1 injection. CONCLUSION: Intravitreous administration of ICON-1 in single doses up to 300 µg in eyes with neovascular AMD was safe and well-tolerated. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:336-345.].

A CCR2/5 Inhibitor, PF-04634817, Is Inferior to Monthly Ranibizumab in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema.

Purpose: Ligands for the proinflammatory C-C chemokine receptor types 2 and 5 (CCR2 and CCR5) are elevated in the eyes of patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). We evaluated the efficacy and safety of PF-04634817, an oral CCR2/5 dual antagonist, versus intravitreal ranibizumab, in adult subjects with DME. Methods: In this phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked study, eligible subjects (≥18 years of age) had type 1 or 2 diabetes and DME with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/32 or worse (letter score ≤ 78), and up to 20/320 or better (≥24 letter score), in the study eye. Subjects were assigned randomly 1:1 to once-daily (QD) oral PF-04634817 200 mg plus masked sham therapy as placebo or monthly intravitreal ranibizumab 0.3/0.5 mg plus QD oral placebo. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of PF-04634817 compared with ranibizumab in change from baseline in BCVA after 12 weeks in a noninferiority design. Noninferiority was based on BCVA 80% confidence interval (CI): there had to be a less than three letter loss in the PF-04634817 arm compared with the ranibizumab arm. Results: A total of 199 subjects were randomized. Least squares mean difference in change in BCVA from baseline to week 12 in the study eye for the PF-04634817 arm was -2.41 letters (80% CI: -3.91, -0.91; P = 0.04) compared with ranibizumab. PF-04634817 was well tolerated. Conclusions: Treatment with oral CCR2/5 receptor dual antagonist PF-04634817 was associated with a modest improvement in BCVA, but did not meet the predefined noninferiority criteria compared with intravitreal ranibizumab.

A Randomized Phase 2 Study of an Anti-Amyloid ß Monoclonal Antibody in Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of intravenous GSK933776, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against the N-terminal amino acids of amyloid ß, for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked, multicenter phase 2 clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with GA secondary to AMD, a visual acuity score of at least 35 letters, and GA with a total area of 1.9 to 17 mm2 were enrolled. METHODS: Participants were monitored monthly for 4 months during an observation period to determine the rate of GA enlargement in the study eye. After the observation period, randomization was performed into 1 of 4 treatment arms (GSK933776 at 3, 6, and 15 mg/kg/month and placebo). At each monthly visit over 18 months, participants underwent visual acuity testing under normal luminance and low-luminance conditions. Ocular imaging included color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography, and spectral-domain OCT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Enlargement in the area of GA measured from color fundus photographs with reference to fundus autofluorescence images. RESULTS: A total of 191 participants were randomized into the study, with 139 (73%) fulfilling the efficacy population criteria. Over 18 months, GSK933776 did not reduce the rate of GA enlargement relative to placebo. Overall, there were no consistent meaningful differences relative to placebo in any of the visual function measures. There was a correlation between the low-luminance visual acuity (LLVA) deficit at baseline and the rate of GA enlargement. Genetic variations in complement factor I (CFI) gene did not correlate with GA progression. No ocular serious adverse events considered related to the GSK933776 treatment were identified, and a similar number of nonocular serious adverse events were reported across all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous amyloid ß inhibition with GSK933776 did not slow the rate of GA enlargement compared with placebo, and no clinically meaningful differences relative to placebo were observed in visual function testing over 18 months. The LLVA deficit was associated with faster GA enlargement; however, no correlation was shown between genetic variations in the CFI gene and the rate of GA enlargement.

Panretinal Photocoagulation vs Intravitreous Ranibizumab for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) is the standard treatment for reducing severe visual loss from proliferative diabetic retinopathy. However, PRP can damage the retina, resulting in peripheral vision loss or worsening diabetic macular edema (DME). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the noninferiority of intravitreous ranibizumab compared with PRP for visual acuity outcomes in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized clinical trial conducted at 55 US sites among 305 adults with proliferative diabetic retinopathy enrolled between February and December 2012 (mean age, 52 years; 44% female; 52% white). Both eyes were enrolled for 89 participants (1 eye to each study group), with a total of 394 study eyes. The final 2-year visit was completed in January 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Individual eyes were randomly assigned to receive PRP treatment, completed in 1 to 3 visits (n = 203 eyes), or ranibizumab, 0.5 mg, by intravitreous injection at baseline and as frequently as every 4 weeks based on a structured re-treatment protocol (n = 191 eyes). Eyes in both treatment groups could receive ranibizumab for DME. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was mean visual acuity change at 2 years (5-letter noninferiority margin; intention-to-treat analysis). Secondary outcomes included visual acuity area under the curve, peripheral visual field loss, vitrectomy, DME development, and retinal neovascularization. RESULTS: Mean visual acuity letter improvement at 2 years was +2.8 in the ranibizumab group vs +0.2 in the PRP group (difference, +2.2; 95% CI, -0.5 to +5.0; P < .001 for noninferiority). The mean treatment group difference in visual acuity area under the curve over 2 years was +4.2 (95% CI, +3.0 to +5.4; P < .001). Mean peripheral visual field sensitivity loss was worse (-23 dB vs -422 dB; difference, 372 dB; 95% CI, 213-531 dB; P < .001), vitrectomy was more frequent (15% vs 4%; difference, 9%; 95% CI, 4%-15%; P < .001), and DME development was more frequent (28% vs 9%; difference, 19%; 95% CI, 10%-28%; P < .001) in the PRP group vs the ranibizumab group, respectively. Eyes without active or regressed neovascularization at 2 years were not significantly different (35% in the ranibizumab group vs 30% in the PRP group; difference, 3%; 95% CI, -7% to 12%; P = .58). One eye in the ranibizumab group developed endophthalmitis. No significant differences between groups in rates of major cardiovascular events were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Among eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, treatment with ranibizumab resulted in visual acuity that was noninferior to (not worse than) PRP treatment at 2 years. Although longer-term follow-up is needed, ranibizumab may be a reasonable treatment alternative, at least through 2 years, for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01489189.

RANIBIZUMAB PLUS PROMPT OR DEFERRED LASER FOR DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA IN EYES WITH VITRECTOMY BEFORE ANTI-VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR THERAPY.

BACKGROUND: The approach to managing diabetic macular edema in eyes with previous vitrectomy is based on limited evidence. Therefore, an exploratory post hoc assessment of 3-year data from eyes with and without vitrectomy before randomization in a DRCR.net trial that evaluated ranibizumab + prompt or deferred laser for diabetic macular edema is presented. METHODS: Visual acuity and optical coherence tomography outcomes were compared between eyes with and without previous vitrectomy. RESULTS: At baseline, eyes with previous vitrectomy (n = 25) had longer duration of diabetes, worse visual acuity, less thickened central subfield measurements on optical coherence tomography and were more apt to have worse diabetic retinopathy severity level or previous treatment for macular edema or cataract surgery than eyes without a history of vitrectomy (n = 335). Analyses adjusted for these baseline imbalances did not identify substantial differences between eyes with and without previous vitrectomy at each annual visit through 3 years for the favorable visual acuity, optical coherence tomography central subfield thickness, or volume outcomes, although optical coherence tomography improvement appeared slower in vitrectomy eyes during the first year. CONCLUSION: This study provides little evidence that the beneficial clinical outcomes for patients with center-involved diabetic macular edema treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor are affected in the long term by previous vitrectomy.

A Canadian experience of integrating complementary therapy in a hospital palliative care unit.

BACKGROUND: The provision of complementary therapy in palliative care is rare in Canadian hospitals. An Ontario hospital's palliative care unit developed a complementary therapy pilot project within the interdisciplinary team to explore potential benefits. Massage, aromatherapy, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch™ were provided in an integrated approach. This paper reports on the pilot project, the results of which may encourage its replication in other palliative care programs. OBJECTIVES: The intentions were (1) to increase patients'/families' experience of quality and satisfaction with end-of-life care and (2) to determine whether the therapies could enhance symptom management. RESULTS: Data analysis (n=31) showed a significant decrease in severity of pain, anxiety, low mood, restlessness, and discomfort (p<0.01, 95% confidence interval); significant increase in inner stillness/peace (p<0.01, 95% confidence interval); and convincing narratives on an increase in comfort. The evaluation by staff was positive and encouraged continuation of the program. CONCLUSIONS: An integrated complementary therapy program enhances regular symptom management, increases comfort, and is a valuable addition to interdisciplinary care.

Time to raise the standards for FANS.

To obtain the best results from their organizations' food service programs, hospital leaders should conduct in-depth assessments of the programs with the guidance of individuals who possess expertise in the broader food service industry. Such an assessment should comprise three broad steps: A contractual best-practice evaluation. A financial analysis. An operational assessment.

Treatment of diabetic macular edema with a designed ankyrin repeat protein that binds vascular endothelial growth factor: a phase I/II study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and bioactivity of MP0112, a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) that specifically binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). DARPins are a novel class of proteins selected for specific, high-affinity binding to a target protein. DESIGN: Phase I/II, open-label, multicenter dose-escalation trial. METHODS: After a single intravitreal injection of MP0112, the main outcomes were safety assessments, aqueous MP0112 levels, change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and foveal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography. Six cohorts were planned, but only 3 were enrolled (0.04, 0.15, 0.4 mg), because a maximally tolerated dose of 1.0 mg was identified in a parallel age-related macular degeneration trial. RESULTS: Median aqueous concentration of MP0112 was 555 nM 1 week and >10 nM in 3 of 4 patients 12 weeks post injection of 0.4 mg. Median BCVA improvement at week 12 was 4, 6, and 10 letters in cohorts 1, 2, and 3. Ocular inflammation was observed in 11 patients (61%) and was severe in 1. High-resolution chromatography separated proinflammatory impurities from MP0112, resulting in a new formulation. CONCLUSIONS: A single intraocular injection of 0.4 mg MP0112 resulted in levels above the half-maximal inhibitory concentration and neutralization of VEGF in aqueous humor for 8-12 weeks. Despite inflammation in several patients, there was prolonged edema reduction and improvement in vision in several patients. The source of the inflammation was eliminated from a new preparation that is being tested in an ongoing clinical trial.