Gene Therapy and Macular Degeneration
 Research has confirmed that diet and environmental
factors play a large role in the risk of developing
age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).
However, the latest thinking is that the disease is
strongly linked to the inherited genes of the ARMD
patient.
With the recent completion of the
Human Genome Project, it will now be possible to
identify gene mutations that predispose a person to
ARMD. This will make it possible, in the
future, to use gene therapy to modify these abnormal
genes. Genetic modification will reduce the
incidences of the more advanced stages of the
disease, like choroidal neovascularization, fibrosis
and geographic atrophy.
One of the biggest advantages of gene therapy, over
anti-VEGFs,
a treatment limited to eyes with the "wet" form of
macular degeneration, is its lack of potential side
effects and its inherent preventive ability on early
and late forms of ARMD.
 Anti-VEGFs are only given to patients with
"wet" macular degeneration -- the
leaking,
swelling or bleeding form of the disease. Wet
macular degeneration only accounts for about 10% of
cases. "Dry" macular degeneration makes up the
bulk of cases with over 80%.
Anti-VEGFs
is currently the newest and most exciting treatment
for ARMD -- with ongoing research, gene therapy will
hopefully surpass anti-VEGFs as the most successful
treatment for this most destructive eye condition.
Ref: Retinal Physician, May/June 2006 |
