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Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review the surgical technique, pharmacotherapy, contraindications, and outcomes of intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) in the treatment of retinoblastoma.

Recent Findings

IAC has emerged as a therapy for retinoblastoma. During IAC, a catheter is placed in the ophthalmic artery to selectively deliver chemotherapy. No universal protocol exists for the treatment of retinoblastoma, but melphalan, carboplatin, and topotecan triple-drug regimen are commonly used in IAC. The IAC doses are based on the patients’ age and weight and the severity and extent of the disease. Contraindications for IAC are poor visualization of the retinoblastoma tumor or extraocular extension.

Summary

IAC is a safe and effective treatment for retinoblastoma. Group B and C eyes have excellent outcomes of eye salvage. Eye salvage in groups D and E eyes is better with IAC than with systemic intravenous chemotherapy. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to further assess outcomes of IAC for retinoblastoma.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance because these studies show outcomes of intravenous or intra-arterial chemotherapy in large samples of retinoblastoma patients. •• Of major importance because these studies show outcomes of intra-arterial chemotherapy in the treatment of retinoblastoma.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, PO Box 365067, San Juan, 00936-5067, Puerto Rico

    Sofía M. Muns & Victor M. Villegas

  2. Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Victor M. Villegas

  3. Department of Surgery, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico

    Victor M. Villegas

  4. Neurosurgery Department, HIMA San Pablo Hospital, Caguas, Puerto Rico

    Juan Ramos-Acevedo

  5. Murray Ocular Oncology and Retina, Miami, FL, USA

    Timothy G. Murray

  6. Department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Leslie A. Soto-Velez, Maria Echevarria-Escudero, Gloria Colón-González & Jhon Guerra

  7. Department of Anesthesiology, HIMA San Pablo Hospital, Caguas, Puerto Rico

    Ruth Padilla García

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  1. Sofía M. Muns
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Correspondence to Victor M. Villegas.

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Muns, S.M., Villegas, V.M., Ramos-Acevedo, J. et al. Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma. Curr Ophthalmol Rep 11, 34–39 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-023-00311-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-023-00311-0

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