Short-term outcomes of faricimab treatment for aflibercept-refractory choroidal neovascularization secondary to chronic central serous chorioretinopathy.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term results of faricimab treatment in patients with aflibercept-refractory choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Material and methods: The present study was a prospective, single-center interventional study including 25 patients (25 eyes) with aflibercept-resistant type 1 (occult) CNV associated with chronic CSC. After switching, all patients received four consecutive intravitreal injections of faricimab (6 mg/0.05 mL) administered at 4-week intervals. The main endpoint was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at SIMonth 6. Results: The mean age of the patients was 57±7 years. The study population included 15 men (60 %) and 10 women (40 %). The mean BCVA signifiantly improved from 0.56±0.29 at baseline to 0.72±0.32 at 6 months (p<0.001). Complete resorption of subretinal fluid (SRF) was observed in 64 % (16 patients). The mean central retinal thickness (CRT) signifiantly decreased from 270±79 μm to 203±84 μm (p=0.005). After four consecutive intravitreal injections of 6 mg faricimab, the treatment interval was extended in 14 patients (56 %). Conclusion: Switching to faricimab in the treatment of patients with aflibercept-resistant type 1 CNV secondary to chronic CSC led to improved BCVA, anatomical outcomes and extended treatment interval in 56 % of patients at 6 months follow-up period. Further investigations into long-term outcomes are necessary to evaluate the sustained effiacy and safety of intravitreal faricimab.