The Use of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibitors and Complementary Treatment Options in Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy: A Subtype of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Abstract

Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) is a subtype of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD; nAMD) which occurs more commonly in Asian populations as compared to Caucasians. PCV and nAMD share pathological mechanisms, including pathological expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The advent of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) revolutionized the treatment of nAMD. Despite being a subtype of nAMD, PCV responds less well to VEGF inhibitors; thus, photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with anti-VEGF treatment may be considered. This review aims to summarize the current evidence for the treatment of PCV, especially whether VEGF inhibitors should be used alone or in combination with PDT.