Possible implications of MCAM expression in metastasis and non-metastatic of primary uveal melanoma patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the expression of melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM) as prognostic factor in uveal melanoma patients.

Methods: Paraffin sections from 35 primary uveal melanomas were analyzed immunhistochemically for the expression of MCAM. Further known prognostic factors such as cell type, ciliary body invasion, tumor stage, and local extension were evaluated.

Current and future therapies for age-related macular degeneration.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness, with an increasing incidence as the elderly population expands.

Objective: In this article we review current therapeutic strategies and discuss possible future targets.

Methods: A review of the literature and ongoing clinical trials was undertaken.

Full macular translocation (FMT) versus photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 2-year results of a prospective, controlled, randomised pilot trial (FMT-PDT).

Background: To report the outcome of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), near visual acuity (NVA), contrast sensitivity (CS) and vision-related quality of life (VRQOL) in patients 2 years after undergoing photodynamic therapy (PDT) or full macular translocation (FMT) for the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Fifty patients with predominantly classic subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) secondary to AMD were randomized to PDT or FMT. BCVA was determined according a standardized protocol with ETDRS charts.

Intravitreal bevacizumab treatment of macular edema in central retinal vein occlusion: one-year results.

Purpose: To report on the anatomic and visual acuity response after intravitreal bevacizumab injection in patients with macular edema due to non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Methods: In a retrospective study, 21 consecutive patients (21 eyes) with non-ischemic CRVO underwent, on average, 3.7 intravitreal bevacizumab injections (1.

Bevacizumab as adjuvant for neovascular glaucoma.

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the longterm effects of intraocular bevacizumab (Avastin) injections as adjuvant treatment in patients with neovascular glaucoma.

Methods: Twenty eyes of 18 consecutive patients with secondary neovascular glaucoma caused by proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 7), ischaemic central retinal vein occlusion (n = 7), ischaemic ophthalmopathy (n = 2) and retinal ischaemia resulting from persistent detachment (n = 2) were treated with intraocular bevacizumab injections (1.25 mg/0.

Visualization of circulating melanoma cells in peripheral blood of patients with primary uveal melanoma.

Purpose: In patients with uveal melanoma, tumor cell dissemination and subsequent formation of metastases are confined mainly to the hematogenous route. Here, we sought to isolate circulating melanoma cells in peripheral blood of patients with primary uveal melanoma and clinically localized disease.

Experimental Design: Blood samples from 52 patients with clinically localized uveal melanoma and from 20 control individuals were prospectively collected before therapy of the primary tumor.

The effects of triamcinolone crystals on retinal function in a model of isolated perfused vertebrate retina.

A good clinical experience of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) has been reported in several studies, but there are growing indications that epiretinal crystals of TA exhibit retinal toxicity. To investigate the effects of TA on retinal function we used a model of an electrophysiological in vitro technique for testing retinal toxicity. Isolated bovine retinas were perfused with an oxygen saturated nutrient solution.

Electrophysiological effects of Brilliant Blue G in the model of the isolated perfused vertebrate retina.

Background: To facilitate epiretinal or inner limiting membrane peeling dyes like Indocyanine Green (ICG) as well as Trypan Blue (TB) were used so far. However, toxic effects on the retina were described for both dyes. The aim of our study was to investigate the retinal tolerance to the new dye Brilliant Blue G (BBG), which implies a possibly more favorable biocompatibility.

Safety monitoring in bevacizumab (Avastin) treatment: retinal function assessed by psychophysical (visual fields, colour vision) and electrophysiological (ERG/EOG) tests in two subgroups of patients.

Background: Bevacizumab (Avastin) has been used as off-label treatment for the specific inhibition of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Although only intravenous administration of the drug is approved in combination therapy of colorectal carcinoma, promising short-term results have been reported about its intravitreal administration. However, VEGF is also known to exhibit neurotrophic capabilities.

The retinal tolerance to bevacizumab in co-application with a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator.

Aim: To investigate the retinal toxicity of bevacizumab in co-application with a commercially available recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), and to facilitate a new therapeutic concept in the treatment of massive subretinal haemorrhage caused by neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Isolated bovine retinas were perfused with an oxygen-preincubated nutrient solution. The electroretinogram (ERG) was recorded as a transretinal potential using Ag/AgCl electrodes.

Internal limiting membrane peeling with indocyanine green or trypan blue in macular hole surgery: a randomized trial.

Objective: To report on anatomical and visual outcomes after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole repair.

Methods: Forty patients with stage II to IV idiopathic macular holes were randomly assigned (1:1) in a 2-arm, single-center, randomized controlled . Internal limiting membrane delamination was performed using indocyanine green (ICG) solution (n = 20) or trypan blue (TB) (n = 20).

Inner limiting membrane as membranous support in RPE sheet-transplantation.

Purpose: To investigate the inner limiting membrane as a scaffold for retinal pigment epithelium cells (RPE).

Methods: Human donor eyes (n = 10) from the Eye Bank Tübingen were used to collect the inner limiting membrane (ILM). These human donor eyes and additional porcine eyes (n = 11) served to isolate RPE cells.

Pharmacological prevention of radiation-induced dry eye-an experimental study in a rabbit model.

Purpose: To evaluate the radioprotective effect of lidocaine, amifostine and pilocarpine on lacrimal glands.

Methods: Twenty-five rabbits were randomized into five groups: the control, irradiated/sham-treated, irradiated/lidocaine-pretreated, irradiated/amifostine-pretreated and irradiated/pilocarpine-pretreated groups. One week before irradiation, 72 h and 1 month afterward, the inferior lacrimal gland was investigated histomorphologically, immunohistochemically [tenascin-C and alpha smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)] and functionally using scintigraphy and the Schirmer test.