Early retinal volume changes after switching to brolucizumab in refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration - Report - MDSpire

Early retinal volume changes after switching to brolucizumab in refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration

  • By

  • Takaaki Matsuki

  • Kunihiko Akiyama

  • Ken Watanabe

  • Toru Noda

  • Mariko Sasaki

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Initial Retinal Volume Alterations Following Transition to Brolucizumab

Overview

This study evaluates early anatomical changes and intraocular inflammation following the switch to brolucizumab in patients with refractory neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Significant decreases in central foveal retinal thickness and pigment epithelial detachment volume were observed.

Background

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a leading cause of blindness, and anti-VEGF agents are commonly used for treatment. However, some patients remain refractory to existing therapies, necessitating the exploration of alternative agents like brolucizumab. Understanding the anatomical changes following the switch to brolucizumab is crucial for managing potential intraocular inflammation.

Data Highlights

ParameterBefore IVBrAfter IVBrP-value
Central Foveal Retinal Thickness (CRT)247 (130) μm227 (94) μm< 0.001
Pigment Epithelial Detachment Volume0.18 (0.47) mm³0.11 (0.19) mm³0.04
Central Choroidal Thickness159 (118) μm168 (78) μm0.018
Central Retinal Volume (CRV)9.80 (1.40) mm³9.70 (1.30) mm³0.111

Key Findings

  • Switching to brolucizumab resulted in a significant decrease in central foveal retinal thickness (CRT).
  • Pigment epithelial detachment volume decreased significantly after the switch.
  • Central choroidal thickness increased post-treatment, indicating potential anatomical changes.
  • Three eyes exhibited intraocular inflammation (IOI) following brolucizumab injection.
  • In eyes without IOI, a significant decrease in central retinal volume (CRV) was observed.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate the importance of monitoring for intraocular inflammation following treatment with brolucizumab.

Conclusion

The transition to brolucizumab in patients with refractory nAMD resulted in notable anatomical changes.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Retinal Physician, 2021 -- Anti-VEGF Therapy & AMD Recommendations
  2. Retinal Physician, 2023 -- Retinal Fluid Fluctuations in the Treatment of Neovascular AMD
  3. Retinal Physician, 2019 -- Brolucizumab Gets FDA Approval for Wet AMD
  4. JAMA Ophthalmology -- Brolucizumab in the Treatment of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: The CONDOR Randomized Clinical Trial
  5. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern® - Ophthalmology, 2024
  6. HAWK and HARRIER: Phase 3 Trials of Brolucizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  7. Long-term efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: A multicentre retrospective real-world study
  8. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern® - Ophthalmology
  9. HAWK and HARRIER: Phase 3, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked Trials of Brolucizumab for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Ophthalmology
  10. Long-term efficacy and safety of brolucizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: A multicentre retrospective real-world study - PubMed

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