To assess the safety and efficacy of three therapeutic regimens (foscarnet, ganciclovir, or the combination) for recurrent or persistent AIDS-related cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Although therapy with foscarnet or ganciclovir halts retinitis progression in 90 percent of patients treated, relapses are common and may accelerate due to development of drug resistance, deteriorating immune function, or other factors. Treatment strategies currently being investigated include switching patients from one drug to the other or combining the two drugs.

Although therapy with foscarnet or ganciclovir halts retinitis progression in 90 percent of patients treated, relapses are common and may accelerate due to development of drug resistance, deteriorating immune function, or other factors. Treatment strategies currently being investigated include switching patients from one drug to the other or combining the two drugs.

Patients are randomized to receive foscarnet, ganciclovir, or a combination of the two drugs (administered sequentially). Initially, patients undergo single or multiple cycles of induction therapy for 14 days followed by maintenance therapy. Patients in whom the retinitis continues to progress or who are intolerant of the initial treatment switch to the alternative drug for further cycles of induction and maintenance. Patients on the combination arm in whom retinitis continues to progress are given further cycles of the combination at an increased dose, or, if one drug is causing toxicity, are given further cycles with the alternative drug. Patients are followed monthly for 6 months and then every 3 months thereafter.

Inclusion Criteria

Required:

• At least 28 days of prior foscarnet or ganciclovir.

Concurrent Medication:

Allowed:

• G-CSF.

Recommended:

• Antiretroviral therapy.

Patients must have:

• HIV infection or AIDS.
• Active CMV retinitis after 28 or more days of either foscarnet or ganciclovir therapy.
• At least one lesion with one-quarter disk area or more that can be photographed.
• Visual acuity of 3 or more letters on ETDRS chart (5/200 Snellen) in an affected eye.

Exclusion Criteria

Co-existing Condition:

Patients with the following symptoms and conditions are excluded:

• Media opacity severe enough to preclude visualization of both fundi.
• Retinal detachment not scheduled for surgical repair.

Patients with the following prior conditions are excluded:

• History of intolerance to ganciclovir or foscarnet sufficient to contraindicate use.
• History of combination foscarnet/ganciclovir therapy.

Active drug or alcohol abuse sufficient to prevent compliance.