Background: Up-regulated expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease has been postulated to induce retinal hemangioblastoma. Intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs might provide a new therapeutic option in this condition.
Methods: In a single case decision a patient with active retinal hemangioblastomas due to VHL disease received repeated intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab.
Results: Subsequent to intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, the signs of activity of the retinal hemangioblastomas slowly regressed.
Conclusions: Intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy might, as monotherapy or as combination therapy, offer a new treatment option for retinal hemangioblastoma.