Radiotherapy delivered by robots could revolutionize the treatment of a common eye disease, offering potential cost savings and improved patient experience. A recent trial has shown promising results in reducing the number of injections needed for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is a prevalent eye disease that typically affects individuals in their 50s and 60s. In cases of wet AMD, which progresses rapidly, abnormal blood vessels in the eye lead to fluid leakage and scarring, impacting central vision functions like reading and recognizing faces.

Traditionally, treatment for wet AMD involves frequent injections of a medication called ranibizumab directly into the eye. However, a new study published in The Lancet involving 411 wet AMD patients from 30 NHS hospitals has explored a novel approach using robot-controlled radiotherapy.

The research indicated that patients treated with radiation delivered by the robotic system required 22% fewer injections over a two-year period compared to standard treatment. Professor Timothy Jackson, the lead researcher, highlighted the precision of the robotic system in targeting small lesions in the eye, potentially reducing the burden of frequent hospital visits and injections for patients.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists identifies AMD as a leading cause of vision loss in the UK, affecting a significant portion of the population. With nearly 40,000 new wet AMD diagnoses annually, the potential impact of robot-assisted radiotherapy in reducing treatment costs and improving patient outcomes is substantial.

By enhancing disease stabilization and reducing treatment frequency, the new approach holds promise in enhancing patient quality of life and streamlining healthcare resources. The cost savings from decreased ranibizumab injections are projected to outweigh the expenses associated with implementing robot-controlled radiotherapy, making it a potentially cost-effective solution for managing wet AMD.