Retinal Vein Occlusion Subtypes Can Be Treated With High Dose Aflibercept

Treatment with high dose aflibercept 8 mg can lead to similar visual outcomes with fewer injections for patients with various retinal vein occlusion (RVO) subtypes, according to a research poster presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting in Orlando, FL, held October 18 to 20, 2025. 

This study was presented by Charles C. Wykoff, MD, PhD, of the Retina Consultants of Texas on behalf of QUASAR study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05850520) investigators. This multi-center, phase 3 study involved patients with treatment-naïve macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). 

Patients were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 3 treatment regimens: aflibercept 2 mg every 4 weeks (n=301), aflibercept 8 mg every 8 weeks after 3 initial monthly injections (n=293), or aflibercept 8 mg every 8 weeks after 5 initial monthly injections (n=298). 

The clinicians also monitored all participants for their best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) for 36 weeks. Patients in any group could have their dosing interval shortened or extended if they met certain criteria. 

Treatment with aflibercept 8 mg resulted in comparable improvements in visual outcomes and reductions in CRT compared with aflibercept 2 mg in patients with central/hemi or branch retinal vein occlusion (CRVO/HRVO or BRVO). 

Patients receiving the 8 mg dose required fewer total injections. Most patients (between 88.4% to 95.3%) in the 8 mg groups were able to maintain dosing every 8 weeks with similar improvements in results across all retinal vein occlusion subtypes. 

The results suggest that patients with CRVO/HRVO or BRVO can safely extend the interval between the higher-dose Aflibercept injections without compromising treatment efficacy or safety. This offers patients greater flexibility in their treatment regimen. 

Aflibercept 8 mg is not officially indicated for treating macular edema secondary to RVO. Applications have been submitted to FDA and EMA, and more studies may be indicated to confirm these preliminary findings. 

This article originally appeared on Ophthalmology Advisor