Welcome to part 2 of a series aimed at increasing age-related macular degeneration awareness. In part one, we looked at the types, symptoms and causes of this AMD. In part two, we will take a look at the treatments for age-related macular degeneration and the ongoing research efforts to treat AMD using stem cells.
How Age-Related Macular Degeneration is Treated?
While there is currently no cure for age-related macular degeneration, there are a number of treatment options which can slow the progression of the disease or reduce the symptoms. Some research projects have shown potential for curing age-related macular degeneration but they are still in development.
Lucentis
This treatment is used to treat the advanced, “wet” form of macular degeneration. It works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins that stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the eye. In the wet form of the disease, these blood vessels break and blood can flow into the cornea, distorting the vision of the patient. The broken blood vessels also cause scarring which leads to permanent vision loss.
The drug is marketed by Genentech, in collaboration with Novartis Ophthalmics. It is administered through direct monthly injections into the eye and in some cases can restore a significant amount of vision to a patient.
Implantable telescope
The Implantable Miniature Telescope (IMT) is a tiny magnification device has been developed by VisionCare Opthalmic. This tiny telescopic prosthesis is inserted into the eye to help the patient regain some central vision. It is also designed for patients with late-stage “wet” macular degeneration. This form of treatment is only available in some countries and for people who have an advanced level of macular degeneration.
Macugen
This treatment is a drug that attacks the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins in the eyes. Similar to Lucentis, it is injected into the eye and must be applied on a regular basis — every 6 weeks. The drug was developed by Eyetech Inc and Pfizer. It is capable of slowing the rate of vision loss in patients that have age-related macular degeneration and can improve central vision.
Eylea
Eylea is another drug that seeks to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prevent permanent damage to the eye. The advantage of using Eylea is that injections are only required every 8-weeks, after an initial treatment regime of monthly injections.
Visudyne Drug Treatment
This is the earliest available drug treatment for age-related macular degeneration and is available for patients with neovascularization under the retina in a specific, common pattern. This pattern is found in approximately 40% to 60% of patients with macular degeneration.
This treatment involves the injection of a drug through the patient’s arm. As the drug passes through the retinal blood vessels, a laser light is used to promote a chemical reaction that destroys abnormal blood vessels. The procedure can improve the vision of some patients and can slow progression of the disease.
Laser Treatment (Laser Photocoagulation)
This procedure uses laser light to destroy or seal abnormal blood vessels in the eye. However, this procedure has a significance downside — small retinal scars can be produced which cause blind spots in the patient’s central vision. Researchers are looking at ways to improve this technology and reduce the amount of scarring that patients experience.
Treating Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Stem Cells
There are a number of research projects which aim to use stem cells to restore the condition of the macula or to repair damage caused by the disease. The projects include:
Clinical Trial of Autologous Intravitreal Bone-marrow CD34+ Stem Cells for Retinopathy
This trial is testing the effectiveness and safety of using bone marrow stem cells to treat a range of eye conditions including Non-exudative Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retina Vein Occlusion, Retinitis Pigments and Hereditary Macular Degeneration. This pilot study is being run by the University of California and is still recruiting test subjects.
Using Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Treat Advanced Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD)
This trial is testing the safety and tolerability of human embryonic stem cells for the treatment of “dry” AMD. It is being run by Ocata Therapeutics.
Stem Cell Ophthalmology Treatment Study (SCOTS)
This project is being run by the Retina Associates of South Florida and seeks to determine if autologous bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) can be used for the treatment of retinal and optic nerve damage or disease. This study is still recruiting participants.
This is a Phase I/II study testing the efficacy of Human Central Nervous System Stem Cells (HuCNS-SC) Subretinal Transplantation for treating age-related macular degeneration.
These research projects are all attempting to harness the regenerative capabilities of stem cells to repair damage to the eye caused by macular degeneration and to restore macular function. They use a variety of methods to transplant stem cells into patients, including the use of tiny patches which can be inserted into to the eye.
Once in place, researchers believe the stem cells will begin to repair damage caused by AMD and restore macular function. Initial results have been promising and more research projects will reach completion in 2016.
Sources
WebMD,. (2016). Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment. Retrieved 13 February 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/macular-degeneration/age-related-macular-degeneration-treatment
Haddrill, M. (2016). Macular Degeneration Treatment. All About Vision. Retrieved 13 February 2016, from http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amd-treatments.htm
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