Imaging-based Biomarkers as Predictors of Response to Anti-VEGF Therapy in Idiopathic Choroidal Neovascularization

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify biomarkers that predict the response of treatment-naive idiopathic choroidal neovascularization (iCNV) to anti-VEGF treatment.METHODS: Fourteen eyes diagnosed with iCNV underwent a dilated fundus examination, Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography - Angiography (OCT-A), and were given an anti-VEGF injection. The same examinations were repeated at every follow-up visit. Analysis of the pre- and posttreatment images was done to identify possible biomarkers which were evaluated to check association with decreased need for multiple anti-VEGF injections.RESULTS: At presentation, 11 patients showed a compact pattern, while three patients showed an arborizing pattern on OCT angiography (P = 1). On follow-up imaging, seven patients showed a marked response, five patients showed a moderate response, and two patients showed a mild response to anti-VEGF injection. Among the seven patients showing a marked response, only one required a repeat injection (P = 0.03). On analysis of SS-OCT, a novel Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) healing response was observed in posttreatment imaging of six patients (P = 0.59).CONCLUSION: A "marked" response to the first anti-VEGF injection results in a more sustained response and is a positive prognostic factor. RPE healing response is an interesting observation that merits further evaluation. Morphology of neovascular membranes has no effect on long-term need for multiple anti-VEGF injections.