Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
06:52
Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
1.8K
Therapeutic Options for Retinoblastoma
Pia R Mendoza1, Hans E Grossniklaus
1Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. ophtheg@emory.edu.
Summary
Management of retinoblastoma, a childhood eye cancer, increasingly uses local chemotherapy over systemic treatments. Advances in targeted therapies improve survival and eye salvage, but long-term effects require further study.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Medical Research
Background:
- Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children.
- Complex management necessitates tailored treatment strategies.
- Current therapeutic landscape is evolving rapidly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging therapeutic options for retinoblastoma.
- To summarize findings from prospective and retrospective studies.
- To discuss novel therapeutic agents and drug-delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search for retinoblastoma management.
- Analysis of prospective and retrospective studies on chemotherapy and focal therapy.
- Inclusion of animal models for novel therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Treatment includes intravenous and local chemotherapy (intra-arterial, intravitreal), focal therapies (photocoagulation, cryotherapy), radiotherapy, and surgery.
- Emerging therapies involve new chemotherapeutic agents, molecularly targeted treatments, and advanced drug-delivery systems.
- Significant shift towards local chemotherapy over systemic approaches observed.
Conclusions:
- Retinoblastoma management has evolved towards local chemotherapy and targeted therapies.
- Innovations have improved survival rates and ocular salvage.
- Long-term effects of these therapeutic shifts require ongoing assessment.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
4.9K
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
4.9K
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
2.8K
2.8K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
9.1K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
1.1K
In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
1.1K
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
2.1K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.1K
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment
1.6K
Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...
1.6K