망막질환에서 항혈관내피성장인자의 유리체강 내주사효과

• Published in: Taehan Ŭisa Hyŏphoe chi 2014, 57(7), 654, pp.614-623
• Main Author: 김민
• Format: Article
• Language: Korean
• Subjects: 기타의약학
• ISSN: 1975-8456
• DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2014.57.7.614

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein secreted by cells to stimulate angiogenesis, a complex biologicalphenomenon essential for the development of new blood vessels. Aberrant angiogenesis has been implicated in variousretinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Ever since theconcept of angiogenesis was first introduced by Judah Folkman, and its crucial role in the pathophysiology of retinal diseaseswas elucidated by many scientists, much effort focused on identifying treatments has led to the development of anti-VEGFagents, which have become a critical component in the treatment of various retinal diseases associated with pathologicalangiogenesis. The application of various anti-VEGF agents has achieved not only the resolution of pathological lesionsassociated with aberrant angiogenesis, but also an improvement of visual acuity unattainable with conventional treatmentmodalities. Despite these major accomplishments with the use of anti-VEGF agents, there are still issues remaining to beaddressed, such as how to treat non-responders to anti-VEGF agents, the need for repeated injections, and the economicburden on patients. This review highlights the outcomes from major clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety ofvarious anti-VEGF agents that are currently available and how they can be utilized in the daily clinical setting. KCI Citation Count: 0