Retinoblastoma: saving life with vision.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Medical Innovation

Background:

• Retinoblastoma historically had a >95% mortality rate.
• Early treatments focused on survival, often resulting in eye loss (enucleation).
• Significant advancements have been made in vision preservation techniques over the last century.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the historical progression of retinoblastoma treatment.
• To highlight advancements in eye and vision salvage.
• To emphasize the impact of modern treatments on patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of retinoblastoma treatment outcomes.
• Analysis of survival rates, eye retention, and vision preservation.
• Focus on non-radiation-based therapies like ophthalmic artery chemosurgery.

Main Results:

• Current survival rates at the center exceed 99%.
• Over 99% of patients retain at least one eye.
• >90% of patients achieve normal vision in at least one eye.
• Ophthalmic artery chemosurgery is a key non-radiation method for vision preservation.

Conclusions:

• Retinoblastoma treatment has evolved from high mortality to high survival with excellent ocular and visual outcomes.
• Modern therapeutic strategies, particularly ophthalmic artery chemosurgery, are crucial for maximizing vision salvage.
• The center reports exceptional outcomes, with near-universal survival and vision preservation.