Title:Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration: Past, Present, and Future
Volume: 1
Issue: 2
Author(s): Leo A. Kim and Patricia A. D’Amore
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Age-related macular degeneration, angiogenesis, anti-VEGF, choroidal neovascularization, vascular endothelial
growth factor
Abstract: Judah Folkman’s concept of targeting angiogenesis to regulate tumor growth and metastasis resulted in a series
of scientific discoveries in vascular biology that led to the development of anti-angiogenic molecules to neutralize vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The concomitant development in understanding the role of VEGF in neovascular
age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) led to a dramatic change in the treatment of NVAMD and significant improvement
in its prognosis. This review will provide a brief history of angiogenesis research from its development in the
world of cancer biology to its eventual application in retinal medicine and NVAMD. We will then present an overview of
the therapeutic interventions for NVAMD, which highlights how a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of
NVAMD and angiogenesis eventually led to a paradigm shift in its management. Finally, we will discuss future interventions
for NVAMD designed to circumvent the clinical and financial burdens placed on physicians and patients as a consequence
of chronic anti-angiogenic therapy.
