Ranibizumab for High-Risk Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: An Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) in monotherapy or associated with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) versus conventional PRP, for high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) without vitreoretinal traction. Procedures: Multicenter randomized trial, with 3 treatment arms: PRP versus IVR alone and PRP + IVR combined treatment. Follow-up was performed at months 3, 6 and 12. Results: Thirty-five subjects were randomized and 32 used for analysis. Complete regression of neovessels elsewhere occurred in 100% (PRP + IVR), 75% (IVR) and 69.2% (PRP) and for neovessels of the disk in 44.4% (PRP + IVR), 37.5% (IVR) and 30.8% (PRP). During the 1-year duration of treatment, there was no need for laser rescue treatment in IVR-treated eyes. Conclusions: This trial suggests that the use of IVR is safe and may have a beneficial effect in the treatment of eyes with high-risk PDR. Message: Ranibizumab appears to have a place in the treatment of PDR.