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Factors of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy Withdrawal in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Implications for Improving Patient Adherence

2021; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute; Volume: 10; Issue: 14 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3390/jcm10143106

2077-0383

Fumi Gomi, Reiko Toyoda, Annabelle Hein Yoon, Kota Imai,

Glaucoma and retinal disorders

We investigated the factors associated with the discontinuation of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Japanese patients with AMD aged ≥50 years, reporting at least one prior injection of an anti-VEGF drug, completed an online survey covering reasons for discontinuation or dissatisfaction with therapy, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) and patient activation (PAM-13). The respondents were divided into two cohorts: Cohort 1—patients who discontinued anti-VEGF therapy (n = 207); Cohort 2—patients continuing anti-VEGF therapy (n = 65). The most common reason for discontinuing therapy was the “doctor’s decision” in 89.4% (Cohort 1-1). In the other 22 (10.6%) patients in Cohort 1 (Cohort 1-2), reasons included “no deterioration in vision”, “financial burden” and “ineffective treatment”. Patients in Cohort 2 were dissatisfied with “long waiting times” (77%), “financial burden” and “ineffective treatment”. Pain/discomfort posed the greatest impact on quality of life. Only 5% of patients in Cohorts 1-1 and 2 and none in Cohort 1-2 were considered advocates for their own health. In conclusion, most patients who discontinued anti-VEGF therapy did so at their doctor’s decision. Addressing the reasons associated with discontinuation or dissatisfaction with anti-VEGF therapies might help improve their continuation.