Topical Bromfenac Shows Potential in Reducing Treatment Burden for Macular Edema

Strategic Insights -

A recent study by researchers at the Military Medical Academy has found that topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, specifically bromfenac, may reduce the treatment burden and improve outcomes for patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusions. The study, which was published in the journal BMC Ophthalmology, found that the combination of anti-VEGF therapy with topical bromfenac resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number of intravitreal injections required, without compromising central retinal thickness or visual acuity.

Key Takeaways:

  • Topical bromfenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, has the potential to reduce the treatment burden for patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, and retinal vein occlusions.
  • The combination of anti-VEGF therapy with topical bromfenac resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the number of intravitreal injections required, with 10 studies identifying the benefits of this combination.
  • The analysis found that eyes receiving bromfenac as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy demonstrated non-inferior outcomes in central retinal thickness.
  • One study reported better visual outcomes with combined treatment, but no difference in visual acuity or clinically significant adverse effects were reported.
  • The researchers concluded that topical bromfenac can be considered as a safe adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy, reducing the treatment burden without compromising improvement of central retinal thickness or visual acuity.

Statistics:

  • 10 studies evaluating bromfenac as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy were identified.
  • 5 studies were included in meta-analysis of the number of injections and 5 studies were included in the analysis of changes in central retinal thickness.
  • A statistically significant lower number of intravitreal injections (p = 0.005) was required when bromfenac was used as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy compared to anti-VEGF monotherapy.
  • Eyes receiving bromfenac as an adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy demonstrated non-inferior outcomes in central retinal thickness (p = 0.07).

Sources:

  • Topical bromfenac in VEGF-driven maculopathies: topical review and meta-analysis. BMC Ophthalmology, 2024, 24(1):1-9.
  • doi: 10.1186/s12886-024-03650-z.
  • BMC Ophthalmology is published by BMC.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12886-024-03650-z.