New treatment modalities for retinoblastoma

The management of retinoblastoma has evolved tremendously for the past century, and recently there is a trend toward focal conservative treatments. This trend is due primarily to the earlier detection of the disease when the tumors are in a smaller stage of development as well as to advanced, more focused treatment modalities. Enucleation is still used for advanced retinoblastoma, especially when there is a concern that there may be invasion of the optic nerve, choroid, or orbit. The hydroxyapatite implant has provided improved cosmetic rehabilitation of the socket after enucleation. External-beam radiotherapy continues to be an important method of treating advanced retinoblastoma, especially when there is diffuse vitreous seeding. Plaque radiotherapy is a useful tool for controlling medium or small retinoblastomas, especially tumors with focal vitreous seeding or those that recur after other methods have failed. Cryotherapy and photocoagulation provide excellent control of small tumors, and advanced laser delivery systems have improved the visualization and ease of treatment of retinoblastoma. Thermotherapy and chemothermotherapy are the newest focal methods that are showing promising results for small to medium-sized retinoblastoma. Recent developments with chemotherapy regimens have allowed dramatic control of intraocular retinoblastoma, and they play an important role in the initial management of many cases.