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Summary features of the NICE Guidance
1. NICE recommend that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is recommended for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration for individuals who have a confirmed diagnosis of classic with no occult subfoveal choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) (that is, whose lesions are composed of classic CNV with no evidence of an occult component) and best-corrected visual acuity 6/ 60 or better. PDT should be carried out only by retinal specialists with expertise in the use of this technology.
2. Also NICE state that PDT is not recommended for the treatment of people with predominantly classic subfoveal CNV (that is, 50% or more of the entire area of the lesion is classic CNV but some occult CNV is present) associated with wet age-related macular degeneration, except as part of ongoing or new clinical studies that are designed to generate robust and relevant outcome data, including data on optimum treatment regimens, long-term outcomes, quality of life and costs.
As regards the use of PDT in occult CNV associated with wet age-related macular degeneration - this was not considered because the photosensitising agent (verteporfin) was not licensed for this indication when this appraisal began. NICE made no recommendation with regard to the use of this technology in people with this form of the condition.
For more detailed information see the full guidance.
This guidance is due for review in September 2006.
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