Department of Ophthalmology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
Ophthalmology Unit, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Curr Drug Targets. 2020;21(12):1159-1180. doi: 10.2174/1389450121666200319111710.
Corneal neovascularization (CN) is a clue feature of different ocular pathological conditions and can lead to corneal edema and opacification with subsequent vision loss. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which plays a key role in new vessels formation, proliferation and migration, was found to be up-regulated in these conditions. Nowadays, it is possible to downregulate the angiogenic process by using anti-VEGF agents administered by different routes.
To evaluate the efficacy, safety and possible future directions of anti-VEGF agents used for the treatment of CNV owing to different aetiologies.
A computerized search of articles dealing with the topic of anti-VEGF therapy in CN was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Medline electronic databases. The following key phrases were used: anti-VEGF agents, corneal neovascularization, bevacizumab, ranibizumab, vascular endothelial growth factor, angiogenesis.
The use of anti-VEGF therapy in the treatment of CN reduced pathological vessel density without causing significant side effects. Various administration routes such as topical, subconjunctival and intrastromal ones are available, and the choice depends on patient and disease characteristics. Much more effectiveness is achieved in case of early administration before mature and wellestablished vessels take place. A combined approach between various drugs including anti-VEGF agents should be adopted in those cases at higher risk of neovascularization recurrence such as chronic long-standing diseases where ischemic and inflammatory stimuli are not definitively reversed.
The efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF agents support their adoption into the daily clinical practice for the management of CN.
角膜新生血管（CN）是多种眼部病理状况的特征性表现，可导致角膜水肿和混浊，进而导致视力丧失。血管内皮生长因子（VEGF）在新血管形成、增殖和迁移中起关键作用，在这些情况下被发现上调。如今，可以通过不同途径给予抗 VEGF 药物来下调血管生成过程。
评估抗 VEGF 药物治疗不同病因所致 CNV 的疗效、安全性和可能的未来方向。
在 PubMed、Scopus 和 Medline 电子数据库中对涉及抗 VEGF 治疗 CN 主题的文章进行计算机检索。使用了以下关键词：抗 VEGF 药物、角膜新生血管、贝伐单抗、雷珠单抗、血管内皮生长因子、血管生成。
抗 VEGF 治疗用于治疗 CN 可降低病理性血管密度，而不会引起明显的副作用。有多种给药途径，如局部、结膜下和基质内途径，具体选择取决于患者和疾病特征。在成熟和稳定的血管形成之前尽早给药，可获得更大的效果。在那些新生血管复发风险较高的情况下，如慢性长期疾病，缺血和炎症刺激未得到明确逆转，应采用包括抗 VEGF 药物在内的各种药物联合治疗方法。
抗 VEGF 药物的疗效和安全性支持将其纳入 CN 的日常临床实践管理。
