Comparative effectiveness of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of Wet AMD

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: Comparative effectiveness of new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of Wet AMD
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: Avastin Lucentis Vegf-Trap Steroids PLus Anti-VEGF agents Steroids plu PDT
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): Elderly with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): All ethnic groups
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): Blindness prevention Vision recovery QOL
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: Blindness Cardiovascular side effects

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Elderly
Individuals with special health care needs, including individuals with disabilities or who need chronic care or end-of-life health care

Federal Health Care Program

Describe why this topic is important.: AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the US
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): Public health impact of the disease
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: Multiple options exist and lack of clarity in comparative outcomes

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: Will better understand therapeutic spectrum and application
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: 1-2 yrs
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: Potential disparity in providing different treatments to patients with or without health insurance

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): Will better understand therapeutic spectrum and application

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Effective Health Care Program