Papers by Philip Zimmermann
British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2009
Background: To evaluate whether tumour-associated lymphangiogenesis, that is the formation of new... more Background: To evaluate whether tumour-associated lymphangiogenesis, that is the formation of new lymphatic vessels (LVs) induced by a tumour, occurs in and around conjunctival malignant melanoma (MM). Methods: Clinical files and conjunctival specimens of 20 patients with histologically diagnosed conjunctival MM were analysed. Sections were stained with LYVE-1 and podoplanin antibodies as specific lymphatic endothelial markers and Ki67 as proliferation marker. The tumour area and the area covered by LV (LVA), LV number (LVN) and LV density (LVD) were measured within the tumour and in the peritumoural area in digital images of the specimen. The LV results were correlated with the histopathological characteristics, tumour location, recurrence rate, mitomycin C therapy and presence of metastases. Results: LVs were detected in all specimens within the tumour and peritumourally. Significantly more Ki67 + proliferating lymphatic endothelial cells were detected in the tumour and in the peritumoural tissue up to 300 mm compared with the surrounding normal conjunctiva (.300 mm distance). There was a slightly positive correlation between the tumour size and the LVN and LVA in the 50 mm zone adjacent to the tumour. We did not find any significant correlations between LVs and histopathological and clinical characteristics (location, shape, relapses, metastases), possibly due to the small sample sizes. Non-limbal tumours with involvement of tarsus or fornix showed a tendency towards a higher LVD compared with limbal tumours. Conclusion: Conjunctival MMs display tumour-associated LV within and around the tumour. The MM seems to induce lymphangiogenesis not only in the tumour, but also in its proximity.
Ophthalmologe, 2007
Hintergrund In den letzten Jahren wurden gewaltige Fortschritte im Verständnis neovaskulärer Erkr... more Hintergrund In den letzten Jahren wurden gewaltige Fortschritte im Verständnis neovaskulärer Erkrankungen des Auges gemacht. Neue antiangiogene Medikamente habe in die Therapie der AMD und der diabetischen Retinopathie Einzug gehalten. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, aktuelle und zukünftige Möglichkeiten der lokalen antiangiogenen Therapie an Hornhaut, Bindehaut und Vorderkammer aufzuzeigen. Methoden Literaturübersicht aus PUBMED und eigene klinische und experimentelle Daten. Ergebnisse Es gibt erste Erfolg versprechende Erfahrungen mit topischen Inhibitoren der Angiogenese (v. a. Bevacizumab) an der Hornhaut und Bindehaut sowie beim intrakameralen Einsatz. Schlussfolgerungen Neue topische antiangiogene Therapieoptionen zum lokalen Einsatz an Hornhaut und Bindehaut sind derzeit bereits off-label verfügbar und werden die Therapie angiogener Erkrankungen am vorderen Augenabschnitt deutlich verbessern. Background Recent years have seen tremendous progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of neovascular diseases of the eye. Antiangiogenic treatment options are now widely used in the management of age-related maculopathy (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this article is to highlight some novel methods of local antiangiogenic treatment of the cornea and conjunctiva and in the anterior chamber of the eye. Methods The study took the form of a literature review (PUBMED) and a review of the authors’ own data. Results Initial experience with novel inhibitors of angiogenesis, especially bevacizumab, used locally on cornea and conjunctiva is promising. Intracameral injections of VEGF inhibitors can be used to ameliorate neovascular glaucoma. Conclusion Novel antiangiogenic drugs are available for topical use in the anterior segment of the eye (as off-label use) and will improve the management of neovascular diseases affecting cornea and conjunctiva and in the anterior chamber of the eye.
Ophthalmologe, 2007
Hintergrund In den letzten Jahren wurden gewaltige Fortschritte im Verständnis neovaskulärer Erkr... more Hintergrund In den letzten Jahren wurden gewaltige Fortschritte im Verständnis neovaskulärer Erkrankungen des Auges gemacht. Neue antiangiogene Medikamente habe in die Therapie der AMD und der diabetischen Retinopathie Einzug gehalten. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, aktuelle und zukünftige Möglichkeiten der lokalen antiangiogenen Therapie an Hornhaut, Bindehaut und Vorderkammer aufzuzeigen. Methoden Literaturübersicht aus PUBMED und eigene klinische und experimentelle Daten. Ergebnisse Es gibt erste Erfolg versprechende Erfahrungen mit topischen Inhibitoren der Angiogenese (v. a. Bevacizumab) an der Hornhaut und Bindehaut sowie beim intrakameralen Einsatz. Schlussfolgerungen Neue topische antiangiogene Therapieoptionen zum lokalen Einsatz an Hornhaut und Bindehaut sind derzeit bereits off-label verfügbar und werden die Therapie angiogener Erkrankungen am vorderen Augenabschnitt deutlich verbessern. Background Recent years have seen tremendous progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of neovascular diseases of the eye. Antiangiogenic treatment options are now widely used in the management of age-related maculopathy (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. The aim of this article is to highlight some novel methods of local antiangiogenic treatment of the cornea and conjunctiva and in the anterior chamber of the eye. Methods The study took the form of a literature review (PUBMED) and a review of the authors’ own data. Results Initial experience with novel inhibitors of angiogenesis, especially bevacizumab, used locally on cornea and conjunctiva is promising. Intracameral injections of VEGF inhibitors can be used to ameliorate neovascular glaucoma. Conclusion Novel antiangiogenic drugs are available for topical use in the anterior segment of the eye (as off-label use) and will improve the management of neovascular diseases affecting cornea and conjunctiva and in the anterior chamber of the eye.
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Papers by Philip Zimmermann