Retinoblastoma.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children, accounting for 3% of childhood cancers.
• Untreated retinoblastoma is fatal; early detection is crucial for better outcomes.
• Key signs include white eye reflex (leukocoria) and strabismus, highlighting the role of pediatricians in early diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evolving management strategies for retinoblastoma.
• To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and multimodal treatment approaches.
• To discuss the role of various therapies, including chemotherapy and focal treatments, in preserving life, the eye, and vision.

Main Methods:

• Review of current and evolving treatment modalities for retinoblastoma.
• Discussion of chemotherapy (intravenous, periocular, intravitreal, intra-arterial), focal treatments, radiation, and surgery.
• Inclusion of recent advances in retinoblastoma genetics and their clinical impact.

Main Results:

• Multimodal treatment, including chemotherapy, focal therapies, radiation, and surgery, is essential for retinoblastoma management.
• Intravenous chemotherapy remains a primary eye-saving treatment, while periocular, intravitreal, and intra-arterial chemotherapy have specific indications.
• Intra-arterial chemotherapy shows promise for advanced or refractory cases.

Conclusions:

• The management of retinoblastoma has advanced significantly, focusing on life preservation, eye salvage, and vision optimization.
• Pediatricians play a critical role in the early detection of retinoblastoma.
• Advances in genetics are further enhancing the clinical management of this childhood malignancy.