Regression of the abnormal vasculature would result in reabsorption of fluid and blood. We have treated a number of patients with this type of irradiation. New neovascular membranes have been noted in five patients. We believe that these results in this type of patient with poorly defined choroidal neovascular membranes, with pigment epithelial detachments, with or without an element of subretinal fibrosis can effect active subretinal neovascularization. The technique does buy time but it is unlikely to prevent new neovascular events produced by this chronic disease.
Further investigation is warranted.
Gene Transfer Biochemical mediators are being developed in major research and development programs. This important class of therapeutic agents are due to the advances in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Delivery of genes to target sites is accomplished directly by putting vector agents carrying the therapeutic genes to a target tissue. This is accomplished by removing cells from the patient and placing the desired gene into these cells which may then be placed back into the patient. These therapeutic genes would be theoretically used to cause a variety of effects including killing abnormal cells such as endothelial cells which are causing the loss of vision or to cause proliferation of cells to replace damaged cells which normally do not proliferate, i.e., photoreceptor cells within the retina.