Profile of verteporfin and its potential for the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy

Abstract

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is an idiopathic disorder characterized by serous retinal detachments associated with focal leakage on fluorescein angiography and pigment epithelial detachments. While the majority of cases improve spontaneously over several months, a significant subset of patients advance to a chronic recurrent form of the disease with diffuse pigment epitheliopathy, foveal atrophy, scarring, and permanent visual loss. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfn has been extensively studied as a potential therapeutic option for chronic cases. Multiple prospective interventional studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PDT for CSCR with significant functional and anatomic improvements achieved. Refinement of the PDT protocol has subsequently been performed in an effort to minimize adverse effects. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, such as bevacizumab, have been utilized in the treatment of CSCR. Recent advances in imaging and functional testing have shed further light on possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease and post treatment changes induced by PDT. While the body of evidence supports PDT as an efficacious and relatively safe treatment for CSCR, further evaluation of the long-term efficacy and safety of PDT, as well as protocol improvements are required.

Two-dimensional artificial light-harvesting antennae with predesigned high-order structure and robust photosensitising activity

“…A variety of photosensitisers have been investigated for the generation of singlet oxygen, including rose bengal, fluorescein, porphyrin, and phthalocyanine 42 46 47 . Because of their high singlet-oxygen quantum yield and strong visible-light absorption ability, the most widely used photosensitisers are porphyrin derivatives and some of these derivatives have been commercialised for photodynamic therapy (i.e., Foscan 48 , Laser-phyrin 49 , Photofrin 50 , and Visudyne 51 ). However, the production of ideal photosensitisers for photodynamic therapy with a much greater efficiency and light-harvesting capacity in the long-wavelength region remains challenging.…”

The Crosstalk between Src and Hippo/YAP Signaling Pathways in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

“…While verteporfin has been shown to be a good YAP inhibitor in previous studies on NSCLC, its use has been limited to preclinical models [ 158 , 159 , 160 , 161 ]. In fact, verteporfin is only optimized for photodynamic therapy to treat vascular disorders of the eyes and is not designed for clinical anticancer therapy [ 162 , 163 ]. A recent study showed that the reactivation of YAP promotes survival and dormancy in EGFR mutant NSCLC cells, while EGFR downstream signaling is suppressed by EGFR and MEK inhibitors [ 98 ].…”

Oral Mineralocorticoid-Receptor Antagonists: Real-Life Experience in Clinical Subtypes of Nonresolving Central Serous Chorioretinopathy With Chronic Epitheliopathy

“…Whereas observation is the appropriate first-line approach for acute episodes, 6 long-standing subretinal detachments may induce irreversible photoreceptor damage, and treatment is therefore justified in these cases. 7 …”