Bevacizumab Versus Ranibizumab in the Treatment of Macular Edema Due to Retinal Vein Occlusion: 6-Month Results of the CRAVE Study.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVE

To compare efficacy of monthly treatment with bevacizumab or ranibizumab for macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Randomized, multicenter, comparative trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01428388). Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive monthly treatment with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. The primary outcome was change in central foveal thickness at 6 months compared to baseline.

RESULTS

The trial randomized 98 patients to treatment with bevacizumab or ranibizumab. At 6 months, there were no differences in change in central foveal thickness between groups (bevacizumab: mean reduction of 212.6 µm, 95% confidence interval [CI], -288.3 to -137.0; ranibizumab: mean reduction of 243.8 µm, 95% CI, -309.6 to -178.0; P=.72, analysis of variance [ANOVA]). Both groups showed similar functional outcomes (bevacizumab: 0.33 logMAR gain, 95% CI, -0.47 to -0.18; ranibizumab: 0.34 logMAR gain, 95% CI, -0.45 to -0.23; P=.38, ANOVA).

CONCLUSION

In the treatment of retinal vein occlusion, bevacizumab and ranibizumab have similar effects on reducing macular thickness and improving visual acuity.