The age-related macular degeneration radiotherapy trial (AMDRT): one year results from a pilot study

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Nov;138(5):818-28. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.06.081.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the short-term safety and efficacy of treating subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with external beam radiation delivered in 5 x 4 Gy fractions among patients having age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Design: A multicenter prospective randomized controlled pilot study.

Methods: Eighty-eight patients were enrolled through 10 sites and were randomized to radiotherapy (20 Gy delivered in 5 daily fractions of 4 Gy each; 6 MV [N = 41]) or no radiotherapy (sham radiotherapy [N = 22] or observation [N = 25]). Eligibility criteria included visual acuity of at least 20/320 and subfoveal CNV not amenable to treatment. Randomization was stratified by lesion type (new or recurrent CNV) and blood (<50% or >/=50% of the lesion [N = 13]). The primary outcome measure was loss of >/=3 lines of visual acuity. Secondary outcome measures were angiographic response and side effects.

Results: At baseline, patient and ocular characteristics were similar between treatment groups. At six months, 9 radiated eyes (26%) and 17 eyes not radiated (49%) lost >/=3 lines of visual acuity (P = .04; stratified chi(2) test). At 12 months, 13 radiated eyes (42%) and 9 observed eyes (49%) lost >/=3 visual acuity lines (P = .60). The radiated group demonstrated smaller lesions and less fibrosis than the nonradiated group (P = .05 and .004, respectively) at 12 months. Radiation-induced complications were not observed except for one radiated eye with numerous cotton wool spots and possible radiation retinopathy.

Conclusions: External beam radiation at 5 x 4 Gy may have a modest and short-lived (six month) benefit in preserving visual acuity.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Choroidal Neovascularization / radiotherapy*
  • Dose Fractionation, Radiation
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / radiotherapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photography
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Safety
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Visual Acuity