Retinoblastoma Treatment & Management

  • Author: Marichelle Aventura Isidro, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD   more...
 
Updated: Oct 7, 2011
 

Medical Care

Medical therapy should be directed toward complete control of the tumor and the preservation of as much useful vision as possible. Treatment is usually individualized to the specific patient.

  • External beam radiation therapy
    • Incidence of local control is high and retinal late effects are minimal with radiation doses of 4000-4500 cGy used with 200 cGy fractions. However, morbidity and mortality associated with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are significant. EBRT results in cessation of bone growth. Therefore, children with retinoblastoma who are treated with EBRT have significant midface hypoplasia. (The younger the child is when EBRT is instituted, the more dramatic the outcome.) More importantly, EBRT has been shown to increase the risk of developing second cancers almost 6-fold during the lifetime of these patients. Today, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (chemoreduction) has superseded EBRT in order to (hopefully) circumvent these terrible adverse effects of EBRT. Nevertheless, EBRT is still indicated in selected circumstances, as follows:
      • For eyes with significant vitreous seeding
      • For children who have progression of disease while undergoing chemoreduction
      • For tumors extending up to or beyond the cut margin of the optic nerve of an enucleated eye (The best method of treatment is being debated in such a case.)
  • Radioactive isotope plaques
    • Use of radioactive 60 Co (cobalt); radioactive 125 I (iodine), which is presently the most used; radioactive 192 Ir (iridium); or radioactive 106 Ru (ruthenium)
    • Radioactive 125 I plaque treatment is recommended for treatment of one larger tumor or a limited number of moderately sized tumors (< 3) present in noncritical areas.
    • Advantage - Locally directed treatment to the tumor, minimizing radiation to the normal tissue
    • Disadvantage - Incomplete treatment, high dose to local sclera, significantly less irradiation for anterior lesions, and difficulty placing posterior plaques
  • Chemotherapy
    • Primary neoadjuvant chemotherapy or chemoreduction has been the most significant recent advance in the treatment of retinoblastoma. This is typically the principle mode of treatment for eyes in intraocular groups C and D. However, our understanding of dose, duration, and end points are still evolving with this relatively new treatment modality.
    • Prophylactic chemotherapy is recommended if a tumor is in the optic nerve past the lamina cribrosa because these cases have a poor survival prognosis.
    • Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy has the advantage of limiting the necessity for EBRT and reducing the possibility of EBRT-related complications.
    • Chemotherapy also may be used prior to EBRT, as completed by Kingston and associates in an attempt to improve local control and visual outcome in children with group V tumors, using carboplatin, etoposide, and vincristine, followed by 40-44 Gy of EBRT.[14]
    • Shields and associates used carboplatin, etoposide, and vincristine chemotherapy, followed by cryotherapy, photocoagulation, and 125 I plaque treatment in an attempt to improve outcome for eyes with more advanced retinoblastoma commonly treated with enucleation.[15]
    • Current studies completed by the Retinoblastoma Study Group show the promising use of chemotherapy (carboplatin, vincristine sulfate, and etoposide phosphate) as a primary mode of treatment in reducing tumor bulk, followed by various forms of local approaches (radiotherapy [external beam or plaque], cryotherapy, thermotherapy, and photocoagulation) that can be used for final tumor control.
    • Some reports suggest the addition of cyclosporine in combination with the chemotherapy regimen of carboplatin, etoposide, and vincristine. These reports showed that this addition enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy and eliminates the need for radiation.
    • Abramson and colleagues have demonstrated successful salvage of eyes typically enucleated for advanced disease.[16] Intra-arterial chemotherapy for advanced retinoblastoma offers another weapon in the arsenal of therapies for retinoblastoma. However, there are still potential complications to consider, and, consequently, this procedure should be performed at tertiary care institutions that specialize in the care of patients with retinoblastoma.
  • Novel therapy
    • A study by Yi Qu et al used immunohistochemical analysis of normal retina and retinoblastoma tumor specimens acquired from multiple centers in order to evaluate the pathological associations of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) subunits and retinoblastoma. The data point to the fact that therapeutic strategies targeting NF-κB together with other therapies may represent a novel approach to retinoblastoma therapy.[17]
    • Suzuki et al conducted a study with selective arterial injection involving a balloon catheter and melphalan. It achieved a success rate of 98.8% and had few severe adverse events, including secondary neoplasms. The rate of preservation was more than half for treated eyes, and more than half of the eyes without macular tumors maintained a visual acuity of more than 0.5. No severe eye damage or severe systemic events were detected; secondary neoplasms were observed but no more frequently than otherwise expected.[18]
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Surgical Care

Surgical removal of the tumor has been the standard management of very unfavorable retinoblastoma cases.

  • Enucleation
    • Enucleation is performed when there is no chance of preserving useful vision in an eye.
    • Patients generally requiring enucleation are those who present with total retinal detachments and/or the posterior segment is full of the tumor, in which case it is clear the patient cannot retain any form of useful vision.
    • Significant orbital growth retardation remains after enucleation for retinoblastoma.[19] The younger the patient is at the time of surgery, the more growth retardation occurs.
  • Cryotherapy
    • Cryotherapy can be used primarily for small anteriorly located tumors, remote from the disc and macula but also may be indicated for recurrence after radiation therapy.
    • Cryotherapy is performed transsclerally. Under direct visualization, freezing is carried out until the ice ball incorporates the entire tumor. A refreeze-thaw cycle is repeated 3-4 times.
    • Complete disappearance of the tumor with a flat pigmented scar is the sign of successful treatment. This can be repeated if the tumor does not respond initially.
  • Photocoagulation
    • Photocoagulation can be used as primary therapy for small posteriorly located tumors.
    • There is a danger of producing large field defects near the disc and decreased vision resulting from macular pucker by photocoagulation near the macula.
    • The technique is performed by placing a double row of confluent burns around each tumor using a photocoagulator.
    • It is important not to do direct treatment on the tumor itself because the light color of the tumor generally precludes absorption of sufficient energy and there is a danger of exploding the tumor with spread of viable tumor debris into the vitreous and other parts of the retina.
    • Successful treatment with photocoagulation takes weeks to evolve and consists of complete disappearance of the tumor, which is replaced with a flat area.
    • Photocoagulation can also be used for tumor recurrences after EBRT.
  • Exenteration is still performed, especially in most underdeveloped countries, when extension of the tumor into the surrounding areas is considerable. Status post (S/P) enucleation for retinoblastoma, Status post (S/P) enucleation for retinoblastoma, right eye retinoblastoma, recurrence, right eye. History: IJ, 3-year-old male with chief complaint of right orbital mass. At age 2 months, opacity in right eye is noted. Five months prior to admission (PTA), consultation with an ophthalmologist for proptosis, right eye. Four months PTA, the patient underwent enucleation, right eye, with no alleged tumor involvement of the tumor resection margins on histopathology. One month PTA, gradually enlarging orbital mass, right side, was noted. Examination: Visual acuity right eye, not applicable (S/P enucleation); visual acuity left eye, at least 6/12 (20/40). No masses are seen in left eye on indirect ophthalmoscopy. Diagnostics: Skeletal survey showed lytic lesions on the humerus, femur, and pubic bones.
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Consultations

Patients with retinoblastoma should be evaluated and treated by a team of medical professionals, including an ophthalmologist (preferably an ocular oncologist), pediatrician, oncologist, radiologist, and pathologist. Given that this is a relatively uncommon disease, patients should try to seek attention from physicians with subspecialty training and experience in retinoblastoma, and who are actively participating in organizations that explore up-to-date treatments for retinoblastoma.

  • The pathologist plays a special role in the treatment of a patient with retinoblastoma. The surgical specimens should be evaluated with care to guide the clinicians with the appropriate postsurgical management.
  • Appropriate consultations are needed to provide much needed information to each other. In some instances, frozen sections are requested after enucleation or exenteration.
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Marichelle Aventura Isidro, MD  Consulting Staff, Department of Ophthalmology, Santo Tomas University Hospital of Manila, Philippine Heart Center

Marichelle Aventura Isidro, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology and International Society of Refractive Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Manolette R Roque, MD, MBA  General Manager, Full Partner, Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co.; President and CEO, Chief Refractive Surgeon, EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic; Section Chief, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis, Department of Ophthalmology, Asian Hospital and Medical Center; Section Chief, Ocular Immunology and Uveitis, International Eye Institute, St Luke's Medical Center Global City; Senior Eye Surgeon, The LASIK Surgery Clinic; Director, AMC Eye Center, Alabang Medical Center; President, Philippine Ocular Inflammation Society

Manolette R Roque, MD, MBA is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators, American Uveitis Society, International Ocular Inflammation Society, Philippine Medical Association, Philippine Ocular Inflammation Society, and Philippine Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Thomas M Aaberg Jr, MD  Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine; Consulting Staff, Department of Ophthalmology, Retina Specialists of Michigan

Thomas M Aaberg Jr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Retina Specialists, Michigan Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, and Retina Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Barbara L Roque, MD  Full Partner, Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co; Service Chief, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Department of Ophthalmology, Asian Hospital and Medical Center; Active Staff, International Eye Institute, St Luke's Medical Center Global City; Visiting Ophthalmologist, AMC Eye Center, Alabang Medical Center

Barbara L Roque, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, Philippine Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, and Philippine Society of Pediatric Ophthalmolo

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Gerhard W Cibis, MD  Clinical Professor, Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Kansas School of Medicine

Gerhard W Cibis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and American Ophthalmological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

Steve Charles, MD  Director of Charles Retina Institute; Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tennessee College of Medicine; Adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology, Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons; Clinical Professor Ophthalmology, Chinese University of Hong Kong

Steve Charles, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists, Club Jules Gonin, Macula Society, and Retina Society

Disclosure: Alcon Laboratories Consulting fee Consulting; OptiMedica Ownership interest Other; Topcon Medical Lasers Consulting fee Consulting

Lance L Brown, OD, MD  Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD  Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

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Classic histologic finding of retinoblastoma (Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes)
Retinoblastoma, intraocular stage (leukocoria). History: NB, 1-year-old male from Quezon Province, Philippines, with chief complaint of opacity, left eye. Born full-term spontaneous vaginal delivery (FTSVD) to a 27-year-old gravida 3, para 2 (2002) at home. Four months prior to admission (PTA), opacity was noted in the left eye (no consultation/medications). Five days PTA, consultation with an ophthalmologist. Examination: (+) leukocoria with visual acuity of central, steady, and maintained fixation on right eye, (-) dazzle on left eye; (+) Marcus Gunn (MG) reflex. Diagnostics: Ocular ultrasound was performed, revealing intraocular retinoblastoma. Management: Patient underwent enucleation of left eye. Examination under anesthesia of right eye: E/N retina. Histopathology: Retinoblastoma, intraocular stage left eye.
Retinoblastoma, glaucomatous stage. History: AB, 2-year-old female from Marikina City, Philippines, with chief complaint of proptosis, right eye. The patient is an adopted child. Prior to admission (PTA), with child aged 6 months (time of adoption), surrogate mother noted an opacity in the right eye. No medical consultation. One year PTA, physician consultation; told AB had an "eye mass" and needed to see an ophthalmologist. No compliance. One month PTA, proptosis was noted in the right eye. Examination: Visual acuity (VA) of right eye is no light perception; VA of left eye is central, steady, and maintained fixation. Sensorium: Awake but irritable. Diagnostics: Intracranial extension on CT scan. Skeletal survey: E/N. Management: The patient underwent exenteration (right side).
Patient with retinoblastoma, glaucomatous stage. Intracranial extension on CT scan.
Patient with retinoblastoma, glaucomatous stage. Another CT scan slice, showing the intracranial extension of the tumor.
Retinoblastoma, extraocular stage (neglected with necrosis). History: RC, 2-year-old male with chief complaint of left orbital mass. Born full-term spontaneous vaginal delivery (FTSVD) to a gravida 3, para 2 (2001) at home. Three months prior to admission (PTA), an inward deviation of the left eye was noted. No consultation. Six months PTA, opacity in the left eye was noted. Five months PTA, proptosis of the left eye with pain and bleeding was noted. Family/Social History: Indigent family. Youngest of 3 siblings; eldest sibling had no retinoblastoma; second sibling had retinoblastoma and underwent enucleation, dying after 2 sessions of chemotherapy. A cousin passed away with retinoblastoma. Examination: Indirect ophthalmoscopy of right eye revealed a large intraocular mass occupying the inferior half of the retina. Mass on left side. Management: The patient was scheduled for exenteration, left side. The mother and child went home against medical advice; what happened to the patient is not known.
Status post (S/P) enucleation for retinoblastoma, right eye retinoblastoma, recurrence, right eye. History: IJ, 3-year-old male with chief complaint of right orbital mass. At age 2 months, opacity in right eye is noted. Five months prior to admission (PTA), consultation with an ophthalmologist for proptosis, right eye. Four months PTA, the patient underwent enucleation, right eye, with no alleged tumor involvement of the tumor resection margins on histopathology. One month PTA, gradually enlarging orbital mass, right side, was noted. Examination: Visual acuity right eye, not applicable (S/P enucleation); visual acuity left eye, at least 6/12 (20/40). No masses are seen in left eye on indirect ophthalmoscopy. Diagnostics: Skeletal survey showed lytic lesions on the humerus, femur, and pubic bones.
Retinoblastoma, intraocular stage (CT scan findings). History: 5-month-old female with chief complaint of "cat's eye reflex." Two months prior to admission (PTA), cat's eye reflex noted with outward deviation of left eye. The patient's 29-year-old mother had bilateral retinoblastoma and underwent enucleation, left eye, at age 2 years. Examination: Regressed type stage III, left eye visual acuity (+) dazzle right eye; indirect ophthalmoscopy (+) mass nasal retina with seeding, multiple tumors in peripheral retina, left eye. E/N Retina: Right eye. Management: The patient underwent enucleation, left eye. Examination under anesthesia of right eye: E/N. Histopathology: Retinoblastoma, intraocular stage, well-differentiated left eye.
Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes in retinoblastoma
Presenting signs or symptoms in retinoblastoma. (This table is modified from Abramson DH, Frank CM, Susman M, et al. Presenting signs of retinoblastoma. J Pediatr 1998 Mar; 132(3 Pt 1): 505-8.)
Reese-Ellsworth classification of retinoblastoma
Classic regression patterns of retinoblastoma
Genetic counseling for retinoblastoma. (This table is modified from Vogel F. Genetics of retinoblastoma. Hum Genet 1979; 52:1.)
Vitreous seeding (intraocular retinoblastoma). Courtesy of Manolette Roque, MD, Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co, EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic.
Reese-Ellsworth Stage V: vitreous seeding. Courtesy of Manolette Roque, MD, Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co, EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic.
 
 
 
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