Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
Bilateral retinoblastoma: clinical presentation, management and treatment
Francesco Pichi1, Andrea Lembo, Mariacarla De Luca
1San Giuseppe Hospital, University Eye Clinic, Via San Vittore 12, 20123, Milan, Italy, ilmiticopicchio@gmail.com.
Insights
Bilateral retinoblastoma (Rb) in a 4-month-old girl was successfully managed. Group D Rb in the right eye responded to chemotherapy, while Group E Rb in the left eye required enucleation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intraocular malignancy in childhood.
- Management is individualized based on tumor classification and patient condition.
- Bilateral leukocoria necessitates prompt evaluation for retinoblastoma.
Observation:
- A 4-month-old girl presented with bilateral leukocoria, indicative of retinoblastoma.
- Right eye: Group D Rb with vitreous seeds and retinal detachment, treated with ICE chemotherapy.
- Left eye: Group E Rb with total retinal detachment and secondary glaucoma, treated with enucleation.
Findings:
- Chemotherapy (ICE protocol) led to regression of Group D retinoblastoma with calcification.
- Enucleation was necessary for Group E retinoblastoma due to extensive disease and glaucoma.
- Successful management highlights the importance of early detection and tailored treatment strategies.
Implications:
- Retinoblastoma is curable when detected early and treated appropriately.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration among ocular oncologists, pediatricians, and ophthalmologists is crucial.
- Individualized treatment based on International Classification of Retinoblastoma improves outcomes.
Abstract:
Management of retinoblastoma (Rb), the most common intraocular malignant tumor in childhood, is tailored to each individual case and based on the overall situation. We present a case of bilateral Rbs in a 4-month-old girl, referred to our center for bilateral leukocoria. In the right eye, the optic disc was partially visible, and three large foci of retinoblastoma were noted adjective in the vitreous cavity with satellite retinal detachment. The macula was obscured by the tumors. The tumor was therefore classified as group D (International classification of retinoblastoma), and thus underwent intravenous chemotherapy with the standard three-agent protocol of ifosfamide, carboplatin and etoposide (ICE protocol) delivered monthly for six cycles, regressing with a type I calcified pattern. The left eye presented three multifocal yellow-white retinal masses, with a total retinal detachment, and secondary glaucoma. The lesions were classified as group E and, therefore, taking the results obtained by Shields et al. in group E tumors into consideration, underwent enucleation. This case clearly shows that this cancer is curable if detected at a stage in which it is still contained within the retina, subretinal space or vitreous, and that the management of Rb relies on an experienced team of ocular oncologists, pediatricians and pediatric ophthalmologists working together for the single goal of saving the child's life.
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