Method for treating neovascularization
The present invention describes an improved photodynamic treatment to treat subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
1 : A method for treating unwanted ocular neovasculature in a subject suffering from choroidal neovascularization or retinal neovascularization, the method comprising;
(a) administering an effective amount of an anti-angiogenic agent to the subject, wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of protein kinase C, antagonists of growth hormone, antagonists of IGF-1. antagonists of vascular endothelial growth factor, antagonists of angiotensin II, antagonists of NF-kappa B, and phospholipase A2 antagonists;
(b) administering an effective amount of a photosensitive agent to the subject; and
(c) irradiating the unwanted neovasculature with light having a wavelength absorbable by the photosensitive agent.
2 : The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is administered between about 0 and about 4 weeks before the administration of the photosensitive agent.
3 : The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent and the photosensitive agent are administered simultaneously.
4 : The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is administered between about 0 and about 4 weeks after the administration of the photosensitive agent.
5 : The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is administered between about 0 and about 4 weeks before the administration of the photosensitive agent and between about 0 and about 4 weeks after the administration of the photosensitive agent.
6 . (canceled)
7 : The method of claim 1 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of inhibitors of protein kinase C and antagonists of vascular endothelial growth factor.
8 : The method of claim 7 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is an inhibitor of protein kinase C.
9 : The method of claim 7 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is selected from the group consisting of N-benzoyl-staurosporine, CGP 79787, and octreotide.
10 : The method of claim 9 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is N-benzoyl-staurosporine.
11 : The method of claim 1 , wherein the photosensitive agent is selected from the group consisting of a porphyrin and a purpurin.
12 : The method of claim 11 , wherein the photosensitive agent is benzoporphyrin derivative monacid ring A.
13 : The method of claim 2 , wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed prior to the administration of the photosensitive agent.
14 : The method of claim 4 , wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed after the administration of the photosensitive agent.
15 : The method of claim 5 , wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed prior to the administration of the photosensitive agent and wherein multiple administrations of anti-angiogenic agent are performed after the administration of the photosensitive agent.
16 - 19 . (canceled)
20 : The method of claim 9 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is CGP 79787.
21 : The method of claim 9 , wherein the anti-angiogenic agent is octreotide.