Authors' recommendations: SBU’s appraisal of the evidence;Monthly treatment with ranibizumab has a substantial inhibitory effect on the course of disease compared to photodynamic therapy or sham injection in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration – in followup ≤2 years (Evidence Grade 1)*. Monthly treatment improves vision to a substantially higher degree in patients treated with ranibizumab compared to those who received photodynamic therapy or sham injection – in followup ≤2 years (Evidence Grade 1)*. Scientific evidence is insufficient* regarding the effects of treatment when delivered less frequently than once per month, or for periods exceeding 2 years. It is unclear whether treatment can be discontinued, or if further treatments are necessary to maintain the effects (Insufficient Scientific Evidence)*. Scientific evidence is insufficient* to assess the cost-effectiveness of the method.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.sbu.se/en/Published/Alert/Ranibizumab-in-treating-age-related-macular-degeneration/

Year Published: 2008

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Sweden

Organisation Name: Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services

Contact Address: P.O. Box 3657, SE-103 59 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46 8 4123200, Fax: +46 8 4113260

Contact Name: registrator@sbu.se

Contact Email: registrator@sbu.se

Copyright: Swedish Council on Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU)