Bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (ABC trial): multicenter randomized double-masked study

The ABC trial is the first multicenter, randomized clinical trial that addresses the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab (Avastin (R), Genentech, Inc., CA, USA) in the treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. The trial showed that an initial loading dose of three intravitreal injections of Avastin 1.25 mg at 6-week intervals, followed by a 6-weekly variable retreatment regimen, according to strict functional and anatomic criteria for up to 1 year, is safe and effective. The results are in line with those reported previously in the pivotal ranibizumab (Lucentis (R), Genentech, Inc.) trials following monthly intravitreal injections. The trial also exemplifies the paradigm shift in primary end point selection and patient expectation that the arrival of anti-VEGF agents, such as Lucentis and Avastin, has allowed for. Instead of visual stabilization and retardation of visual loss, patients and physicians now expect visual improvement following treatment. Such expectation was almost unrealistic prior to the availability of these agents.