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Thermotherapy for retinoblastoma
C L Shields1, M C Santos, W Diniz
1Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|July 17, 1999
Summary
Thermotherapy effectively treats retinoblastoma, achieving regression in 86% of cases. Larger tumors (>3.0 mm base) require more intensive treatment and carry a higher risk of ocular complications like iris atrophy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
Background:
- Retinoblastoma is a pediatric eye cancer.
- Thermotherapy is a focal treatment modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thermotherapy for retinoblastoma.
- To identify predictors of treatment success and ocular complications.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, nonrandomized analysis of 188 retinoblastomas in 58 patients treated with thermotherapy.
- Tumor response and ocular adverse effects were assessed.
Main Results:
- Complete tumor regression was achieved in 85.6% of retinoblastomas.
- Predictors of recurrence included male sex and prior chemoreduction.
- Larger tumors (>=3.0 mm base) required more intensive treatment and were associated with increased ocular complications, such as focal iris atrophy (36%) and lens opacity (24%).
Conclusions:
- Thermotherapy is effective for selected, smaller retinoblastomas.
- Tumors measuring 3.0 mm or larger require more intense treatment and have a higher risk of ocular complications.