VEGF gene polymorphism and response to intravitreal ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Background/aims: To investigate the association between VEGF gene polymorphism and response to ranibizumab in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: A total of 92 patients were genotyped for the VEGF rs1413711 single nucleotide polymorphism. Patients with neovascular AMD initially received 3 monthly ranibizumab intravitreal injections and were retreated as needed. Visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were measured before and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment.

Results: For patients with TT and CT genotypes, paired comparisons of mean VA showed improvement when the data obtained at all visits were compared with baseline values, in contrast to patients with the CC genotype. CRT statistically improved at all visits for all genotypes.

Conclusion: Patients with the CC genotype showed poorer long-term functional and anatomical response to anti-VEGF therapy.