Anti-VEGF treatment switch in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a comparison of aflibercept versus ranibizumab after a single-dose switch

Purpose To determine the effect achieved from a single dose of anti-VEGF treatment switch, in patients with nAMD previously treated with bevacizumab, switched to either aflibercept or ranibizumab, and to compare the response between aflibercept and ranibizumab. Methods In retrospective, observational, and comparative study, patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, patients switched to aflibercept; Group 2, patients switched to ranibizumab. Paired samples t test was performed to measure differences in central macular thickness (CMT). To compare whether there were differences between groups mixed-design ANOVA was used. Results In Group 1, CMT changed from 360.51 to 260.16 µm, presenting a significant mean difference from PreSwitch to PostSwitch of 100.34 µm ( p = 0.002, paired samples t test). In Group 2, CMT changed from 366.33 to 260.72 µm, showing a significant difference from PreSwitch to PostSwitch of 105.61 µm ( p ≤ 0.000, paired samples t test). The mixed-design ANOVA compared both groups and resulted in a nonsignificant value of 0.90. Conclusion The effect achieved from a single dose in patients switched to aflibercept or ranibizumab reduced significantly CMT measurements. Comparing aflibercept and ranibizumab, the effect appears to be similar in both drugs, in terms of reduction of CMT.