Experience of selective intra-arterial chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma

Abstract

This study determined the outcomes of selective intraarterial chemotherapy (IAC) for the treatment of Retinoblastoma in Pakistan. Single centre, prospective, interventional case series of three consecutive eyes were diagnosed as unilateral Retinoblastoma. Patients underwent IAC with Melphalan (0.5mg/kg) at Lahore General Hospital from July 2017 to January 2018. Selective ophthalmic arterial infusion was carried out in all 3 cases. Patients were evaluated on 1st, 3rd and 10th postoperative day and then at 4 weeks interval, till date. Among three eyes, 2(66.6%) were of stage C and 1(33.3%) of stage D. After 3 cycles of intra-arterial chemotherapy, full regression of the lesion was observed in all the eyes (100%). Complete regression and calcification of tumour was seen in 1 (33.3%) eye at 1 month post-treatment and 2 eyes at 2 months post-treatment. Globe was preserved in all 3 (100%) cases. Notable complications included eyelid oedema, orbital congestion and skin hyperaemia. None of the patients had any systemic side effects. Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is an effective modality for the treatment of Retinoblastoma and it plays a cardinal role in preservation of integrity of the globe.

Keywords: Retinoblastoma, intra-arterial infusion, ophthalmic artery, cancer chemotherapy..