» 3-D retinal tissue constructs derived from embryonic stem cells advances potential clinical use ....Researchers at the University of California at Irvine have reported on the development of three-dimensional retinal tissue constructs from human embryonic stem cells. The research, reported in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods, represents a major advance in the potential clinical application of stem cell technology to retinal diseases.
Date Posted: 21/07/2010
» First study on the economic costs of visual impairment in Japan....A research report produced by an Australian economics consulting firm claims to be the first study to quantify the burden of visual impairment in Japan. The research, aimed at policymakers and published in Arch Ophthalmol (Vol. 128, No. 6, pp766-771), reports the direct and indirect healthcare costs attributable to visual impairment. The existence of extensive health and financial data in Japan may now be used to assess and model the economic benefits of new preventive or treatment strategies.
Date Posted: 21/07/2010
» Potential for off-label use of Lucentis following DRCR clinical results....The journal Nature Medicine have reported that a number of ocular researchers have raised criticisms of a diabetic macular oedema (DME) clinical trial for using Lucentis but not Avastin (bevacizumab). Avastin, currently used off-label by many ophthalmologists as it may be up to 20 times cheaper per dose than Lucentis, was not included in the clinical study.
Date Posted: 21/07/2010
» Not just in the genes - check your postcode for risk factors for glaucoma....Environmental factors have long been known to interact on an individual's genes. The medical literature is replete with case studies of twins and siblings that share either all or half of their genome but often suffer very distinct medical conditions. One of the reasons behind such phenomena is a differential influence of diverse environmental factors - ranging from different micro-environments within the womb to diet, lifestyle and geography. Research within a population of glaucoma patients has revealed a correlation between the extent of visual field loss and a patient's postcode. As remarkable as it may sound an analysis of the details shows that such a finding is not only predictable but also to be expected across the globe.
Date Posted: 21/07/2010
Dear EURETINA Members,
A very warm welcome to the July 2010 edition of the web-based digital magazine, "EURETINA Brief"©.
EURETINA are delighted to continue our delivery of up to date summary briefs on a range of topics of interest to retinal specialists across Europe. This resource is designed to accommodate the very busy schedules of all our members by providing them with a short overview of some new developments in our field over the last month.
In this issue you will notice the incorporation of a feedback section where you can comment on any of the news items or articles under discussion. Previous articles and issues can be found in the archive section [link to Archive]
The current issue highlights a number of recent developments including new research on the development of three dimensional retinal tissue constructs, visual impairment costs and its economic burden in Japan and further coverage on the design of a US clinical trial evaluating the use of Lucentis plus laser for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.
Finally, our feature bio-ophthalmology article this month reports on environmental factors which have long been known to interact on an individual's genes. The medical literature is replete with case studies of twins and siblings that share either all or half of their genome but often suffer very distinct medical conditions. One of the reasons behind such phenomena is a differential influence of diverse environmental factors, ranging from different micro-environments within the womb to diet, lifestyle and geography. Research within a population of glaucoma patients has revealed a correlation between the extent of visual field loss and a patient's postcode. As remarkable as it may sound, an analysis of the details shows that such a finding is not only predictable but also to be expected across the globe.
As always, increased interaction by you with the EURETINA web community serves to expand your professional network and keep you abreast of the latest initiatives in your field. Our hope is that such cross-fertilisation in an active web-based platform will lead to increased collaborative opportunities and ultimately to improved patient care. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Gearóid Tuohy, EURETINA