Clinical Studies of AMD at the Casey Eye Institute

Genetics of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Study
Large families with at least four living members with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are being enrolled at the Casey Eye Institute in a study of the genetics of the disease. Volunteers receive eye photography and DNA analysis at no cost. No travel is required. The goal of the study is to find the genes that cause macular degeneration.

Contact: Mitchell Schain, 503.494.3064

Nutrition and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Study
Patients with advanced AMD in one eye and good vision in the other eye were recruited for a study evaluating the potential association of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin with AMD. We are continuing to seek patients with good vision who have drusen in both eyes as well as controls who are unaffected by AMD. This study is being performed in conjunction with the Department of Medicine and William Connor, M.D., and Sonja Connor, M.S., R.D.

Contact: Susan Nolte, 503.494.3616

Anti-Angiogenic Drug Studies for Wet AMD
Several studies are currently evaluating new anti-angiogenic drugs for safety and the potential inhibiting effect on the growth of new blood vessels located beneath the center of the macula (subfoveal neovascularization). Some studies require the presence of active new blood vessels of a certain type and size that cannot be treated with conventional laser therapy. Treatment may be combined with photodynamic therapy in certain patients.

• Macugen and Photodynamic Therapy Trial
  Purpose: To compare the safety and effectiveness of treatment of the drug Macugen to the same regimen of Macugen combined with photodynamic therapy. Candidates must have a certain type of wet AMD and no prior photodynamic therapy. Other exclusion criteria may also apply.
  
  Contact: Shelley Hanel, 503.494.3115
  
  
• Kenalog and Photodynamic Therapy Trial
  Purpose: To learn if treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug (Kenalog) around the eye immediately before photodynamic therapy (PDT) reduces the persistence or growth of abnormal blood vessels in wet AMD. Eligible participants must be diagnosed with a certain type of wet AMD and have either no prior history of PDT or only one previous PDT treatment within the last four months before entry into the study. Other exclusion criteria may also apply.
  
  Contact: Shirley Ira, 503.494.3065.
  
  
• Anecortave Acetate (Retaane) Trial
  Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the investigational drug anecortave acetate (Retaane) in stopping the progression of dry AMD to wet AMD. Like Macugen, it has the properties of inhibiting blood vessel growth. Eligible patients must currently have (or have previously had) wet AMD in one eye and dry AMD in the other eye, and be at risk of having their dry AMD progress to wet AMD. Other exclusion criteria may also apply.
  
  Contact: Susan Nolte, 503.494.3616
  
  
• Gene Therapy Trial
  Purpose: To assess the safety and effectiveness of a new form of therapy for AMD. This study involves injecting the PEDF gene into the eye, which produces a substance that inhibits growth of abnormal blood vessels.
  
  Contact: Shelley Hanel, 503.494.3115.
  
  
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