Sustained-release ganciclovir therapy for treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Use of an intravitreal device

G. E. Sanborn, R. Anand, R. E. Torti, S. D. Nightingale, S. X. Cal, B. Yates, P. Ashton and T. Smith
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9057.

A surgically implantable device for sustained intravitreal release of ganciclovir has been developed. The device delivers ganciclovir intraocularly over approximately 4 to 5 months. Eight patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and associated cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis were recruited as part of a phase 1 study. Thirteen eyes with active CMV retinitis underwent surgical implantation of the ganciclovir device. All eyes showed resolution of the CMV retinitis; none showed progression. Visual acuity remained unchanged in three eyes, improved in six eyes, and decreased in four eyes. Surgical complications included mild vitreous hemorrhage, astigmatism, and suprachoroidal placement of the device. Retinal detachment occurred in three eyes as the retinitis resolved. This new intraocular drug delivery system offers many advantages compared with intravenous therapy or repeated intravitreal ganciclovir injections for the management of CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS.

THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES

Preparation and Characterization of Triamcinolone Acetonide-loaded Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHx) Microspheres
Bayram et al.
Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers 2008;23:334-347.
ABSTRACT  

Effect of Benzalkonium Chloride on Transscleral Drug Delivery
Okabe et al.
IOVS 2005;46:703-708.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Feasibility of Drug Delivery to the Posterior Pole of the Rabbit Eye with an Episcleral Implant
Kato et al.
IOVS 2004;45:238-244.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Trans-Tenon's retrobulbar triamcinolone infusion for the treatment of uveitis
Okada et al.
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 2003;87:968-971.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Intraocular Tissue Distribution of Betamethasone after Intrascleral Administration Using a Non-biodegradable Sustained Drug Delivery Device
Okabe et al.
IOVS 2003;44:2702-2707.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Biodegradable Intrascleral Implant for Sustained Intraocular Delivery of Betamethasone Phosphate
Okabe et al.
IOVS 2003;44:740-744.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Drug Delivery for Posterior Segment Eye Disease
Geroski and Edelhauser
IOVS 2000;41:961-964.
FULL TEXT  

New developments in sustained release drug delivery for the treatment of intraocular disease
VELEZ and WHITCUP
Br. J. Ophthalmol. 1999;83:1225-1229.
FULL TEXT  

Suture Loop to Aid in Ganciclovir Implant Removal
MacCumber et al.
Arch Ophthalmol 1999;117:1250-1254.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Treatment of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis with a Sustained-Release Ganciclovir Implant
Musch et al.
NEJM 1997;337:83-90.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT  

Treatment of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Patients with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Jacobson
NEJM 1997;337:105-114.
FULL TEXT  

Recent advances: HIV infection–II
Beiser
BMJ 1997;314:579-579.
FULL TEXT  

Recent Advances: Ophthalmology
Towler and Lightman
BMJ 1996;312:889-892.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT