[New developments in molecular genetics and treatment of retinoblastoma]

Retinoblastomas are the most frequent primary malignant intraocular tumours worldwide. Conventional and new treatment modalities have significantly improved the chance for survival and preservation of vision. The armamentarium of treatment modalities has been broadened recently by new techniques like intraarterial chemotherapy, which still has to be considered as experimental since long-term follow-up results are not yet available. The excellent prognosis for retinoblastomas in countries with a well developed health system is contrasted by the miserable prognosis for retinoblastomas in developing countries, which must be changed by a joint effort of all centres.