The
MERLOT Study
Screening Questions for Patients
I've been diagnosed with
macular degeneration, can I join the MERLOT STUDY?Please read this page if you are a patient interested in joining The MERLOT Study. The MERLOT Study investigates a new treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), called epimacular brachytherapy. Epimacular brachytherapy involves an eye operation to deliver a targeted dose of radiation to the macula, the part of the eye that is damaged in AMD.
You can watch a SKY TV News Report on the MERLOT trial and epimacular brachytherapy by clicking the link. The Sky news report (and other media coverage of the MERLOT study) should not be used to decide whether or not you wish to join the study, but it may give you an overview of this new treatment.
Not everyone with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is suitable for this new treatment. Before you consider enrolling in the trial, or referrral for a consultation, you should answer the following screening questions:
You should answer YES to each of the following inclusion questions:
1. You have been diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD);
2. You are being treated with Lucentis (ranibizumab) injections on a regular basis (at least
four injections a year, or at least two in the last six months); (see picture below)
3. You can see the top letter of an eye chart in the affected eye (with glasses if you wear
them), when last tested by an optician or eye doctor.
You should answer NO to each of the following exclusion questions:
1. You have received laser treatment for AMD, or photodynamic therapy (PDT), or steroid injections into the eye;
2. You have diabetes;
3. You have had a retinal detachment in the affected eye;
4. You are part of another trial;
5. You have taken any of the following medicines: chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine,
phenothiazines, chlorpromazine, thioridazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, triafluoperazine
6. You have had radiation treatment to the eye, head or neck.
If you pass these screening questions you may be suitable for the trial, but there are other factors that would be considered during a Screening Visit.
Before you consider requesting a referral from your ophthalmologist or GP, you may wish to read the information on the Patient Information page. Please note that this is only a summary of the information which will be supplied to you at the Screening Visit at your local hospital. You will be supplied with the full Patient Information Sheet specific to the recruiting hospital you are attending.
I wish to be involved in MERLOT, what do I do next?
If you have read the information on the Patient Information page and wish to be involved then you will need to be referred for a consultantion by your GP or ophthalmologist. If appropriate he or she can refer you to one of the recruiting centres which are listed by clicking here Recruiting Centres.
Picture showing previous injections needed before eligible
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Please note:
This website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical
advice and users are encouraged to contact a healthcare professional.