Neovascular age-related macular degeneration: disease pathogenesis and current state of molecular biomarkers predicting treatment response-a scoping review

BMJ Open Ophthalmol. 2024 Feb 10;9(1):e001516. doi: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001516.

Abstract

Age-related macular degeneration is a major cause of blindness, and the development of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) intravitreal treatments has revolutionised the management of the disease. At the same time, new challenges and unmet needs arose due to the limitations of the current therapeutic options. Neovascularisation development during the course of the disease has a complex pathogenetic mechanism, and several biomarkers and their association with treatment outcomes have been investigated. We reviewed the relevant literature about neovascularisation development and biomarkers related to response to treatment. Improving our knowledge on the field can improve patient outcomes and offer personalised care.

Keywords: Macula; Neovascularisation; Retina.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration* / diagnosis
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors