AN IN VIVO STUDY OF INTRAVITREAL RANIBIZUMAB FOLLOWING SUBRETINAL INOCULATION OF RB CELLS IN RABBITS EYES

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Retinoblastoma (RB) is a pediatric eye cancer.
• Current treatments for RB can have significant side effects.
• Novel therapeutic approaches are needed for RB management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab as a treatment for retinoblastoma (RB).
• To assess the safety profile of intravitreal ranibizumab in an experimental RB model.

Main Methods:

• Retinoblastoma was induced in New Zealand white rabbits via subretinal injection of WERI-RBb-1 cells.
• One group received a single intravitreal ranibizumab injection, while the control group did not.
• Tumor growth and clinical examinations were monitored, followed by histopathological analysis.

Main Results:

• Intravitreal ranibizumab injection led to clinical tumor regression in the treated group.
• Histopathology confirmed tumor presence resembling human RB, with smaller tumor size in the treated group compared to controls.
• A focal area of retinal hyperplasia was observed in the treated group; transient high intraocular pressure was the only significant side effect.

Conclusions:

• Intravitreal ranibizumab demonstrates potential as an effective treatment for retinoblastoma (RB).
• The therapy exhibited a tolerable safety profile in this rabbit experimental model.
• Further investigation into ranibizumab for RB treatment is warranted.