Alternative treatment for retinoblastoma: Intra-arterial chemotherapy with melphalan

A 10-month old infant was referred for the study of a leukocoria of the left eye of one month onset. On examination, a retinoblastoma occupying the macular area was detected. Treatment with intra-arterial chemotherapy (melphalan 6 mg) was performed, with no further intervention required for disease control.

Melphalan is an effective chemotherapeutic agent. However, its use is limited by the systemic toxicity that may occur. Intra-arterial chemotherapy allows the selective release of melphalan into the ophthalmic artery, thus limiting its systemic toxicity. This combination of efficiency, safety and accuracy makes it an attractive therapeutic alternative for the management of retinoblastoma.