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Successful therapy for trilateral retinoblastoma
S C Nelson1, H S Friedman, W J Oakes
1Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 15, 1992
Summary
Trilateral retinoblastoma, a rare aggressive brain cancer, showed positive responses to chemotherapy. This treatment offers hope for long-term survival in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Neuro-oncology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Trilateral retinoblastoma, an intracranial malignancy, is associated with bilateral retinoblastoma.
- It is an uncommon, aggressive malignancy with a historically poor prognosis.
Observation:
- Three children with newly diagnosed trilateral retinoblastoma were treated.
- Treatment included systemic and intrathecal chemotherapy, plus craniospinal irradiation in one case.
Findings:
- All three patients achieved partial or complete response of pineal tumors to chemotherapy.
- No active disease was observed at 8+ years, 33+ months, and 12+ months post-diagnosis.
Implications:
- Chemotherapy demonstrates efficacy in managing trilateral retinoblastoma.
- This approach offers potential for improved long-term outcomes in a uniformly fatal condition.