Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2009

Mentor: Nalini K. Aggarwal MD
Department: Ophthalmology
Room number: E7.210
Mail Code: 9057
Phone number: 214- 648-3770
E-mail: Nalini.aggarwal@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: One-year Results of the Effect of Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) on Intraocular Pressure (IOP) in Patients with Neovascular Glaucoma

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 092007-009

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects): Patient- based research

Brief Description of Project:

Bevacizumab is one of the first commercially available angiogenesis inhibitors targeted against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recently, its uses have been broadened to include treatment of neovascular glaucoma (NVG). NVG is an advanced manifestation of several eye diseases in which there is ischemia of the retina causing abnormal and progressive blood vessel growth into the anterior segment. The focus of this project is to determine the effect of Avastin on intraocular pressure in patients with neovascular glaucoma and to determine if the anterior chamber angle status (open or closed) is predictive of immediate and long term IOP response. We anticipate the results will provide valuable guidance in future clinical decisions regarding timing and optimal use of this revolutionary treatment modality.
Based upon preliminary data we presented at Texas Ophthalmology Association and earned Best Poster Award for at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, we wish to carry this project to publication.
Under my direct guidance, the medical student will follow me in Glaucoma Clinic on a daily basis, interview and examine patients I select, collect designed information, obtain digitalized images of the anterior chamber angles and assist me in analyzing resultant clinical data. If the student demonstrates initiative, he will be encouraged to participate in presentation at the UTSW John Lynn Lectureship.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:
Namita Gupta (Texas Tech MS3) - Assisted in recruitment, informed consent and intraoperative examinations of patients with Sturge Weber Syndrome- poster presentation at Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology (ARVO)

Kaustubh Shiralkar (Texas Tech, MS3) - Assisted in detailed patient interview, clinical examination, data collection and biostatistical analysis of patients with neovascular glaucoma- poster at Texas Ophthalmological Association.