Comparison of the effect of topical bevacizumab and sorafenib in experimental corneal neovascularization.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the neovascularization inhibiting the effect of topical bevacizumab and sorafenib and to determine the effective dose of sorafenib.Material and Methods: Forty-two healthy Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into six groups. The right corneas of all rats except group 1 were cauterized with silver nitrate. Group 2 received DMSO, group 3 received topical bevacizumab (5mg/dL, 3 times a day) and group 4, 5 and 6 received topical sorafenib (2.5mg/dl, 5mg/dL, 7.5mg/dL, 2 times a day respectively), between days 1 and 7. Corneal photographs were taken on day 8 and the corneal neovascular area percentage was calculated. Following decapitation, the corneas were removed to determine the levels of VEGF ELISA and corneal immune staining. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysisResults: The neovascular corneal area percentage was statistically significantly lower in the treatment groups than group 2 (p 0.05)Conclusions: Sorafenib was as effective as bevacizumab in the regression of corneal neovascularization. The effect of sorafenib seems to be dose-dependent. The low doses and twice a day administration are important advantages of sorafenib.