By InvitationNot Applicable

Comparison of Bevacizumab and Aflibercept in Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema

Pakistan116 participantsStarted 2025-09-07

Plain-language summary

Diabetic macular edema is a frequent complication of long-standing diabetes mellitus in which fluid leaks into the central part of the retina (macula), leading to reduced vision. This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Combined Military Hospital, Multan, to compare two commonly used intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor medicines, aflibercept and bevacizumab, in adults aged 30 to 60 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least 5 years, central macular thickness of at least 300 micrometers on optical coherence tomography, and reduced baseline visual acuity (20/50 or worse). Eligible participants will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either intravitreal aflibercept 2.0 mg or intravitreal bevacizumab 1.25 mg, administered monthly for two months, with follow-up assessments at 1 and 2 months. The primary hypothesis is that aflibercept produces a greater average improvement in visual acuity than bevacizumab in this patient group. The primary outcome is the mean change in visual acuity measured as Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letter score from baseline to 2 months. The secondary outcome is the mean change in central retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography.

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus for ≥5 years * Baseline visual acuity of 20/50 or worse * Central macular thickness of ≥300 µm on OCT * Age 30 to 60 years * Either gender * Provided voluntary consent for participation Exclusion Criteria: * History of prior treatment for DME: anti-VEGF, steroids, or laser. * Active ocular infection or inflammation * History of cardiac disease or stroke * Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding * Known allergy to Aflibercept or Bevacizumab * Patient refusals to participate in the study

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Mean Change in Visual Acuity Letter Score

Timeframe: Baseline assessment before first injection and follow up evaluation at the end of 2 months after initiation of treatment.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07338097

SponsorCMH Multan Institute of Medical Sciences

Sponsor typeOTHER_GOV

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-02-07

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) trials