When dealing with retinoblastoma therapy, the collection of medical approaches used to treat the eye cancer retinoblastoma. Also known as RB treatment, it aims to eliminate tumor cells while preserving vision whenever possible. Early diagnosis is the first pillar – the sooner the tumor is identified, the broader the arsenal of interventions you can employ.
One of the core pillars of chemotherapy, systemic or localized drug regimens that kill rapidly dividing cancer cells is conventional systemic chemo, which circulates through the bloodstream to reach both eyes. For unilateral disease or when preserving the eye is a priority, intra‑arterial chemotherapy, a technique that delivers high‑dose drugs directly into the ophthalmic artery has become a game‑changer. The targeted delivery maximizes tumor kill while reducing systemic side effects.
When chemo alone cannot control the tumor, radiation therapy, high‑energy beams that destroy cancer cells in a focused area enters the picture. External beam radiation or plaque brachytherapy can be used to shrink residual lesions, especially in cases where the eye must be saved. However, radiation carries risks to normal tissue, so clinicians weigh benefits carefully.
Emerging gene therapy, strategies that correct or silence the RB1 gene mutation driving the disease promises to shift the treatment landscape. Early trials show that inserting functional RB1 genes into tumor cells can halt growth without the collateral damage of chemo or radiation. While still experimental, gene therapy influences the long‑term outlook for children with hereditary retinoblastoma.
Retinoblastoma therapy encompasses chemotherapy, intra‑arterial delivery, radiation and gene‑based approaches. It requires a multidisciplinary team – pediatric oncologists, ocular surgeons, radiologists and genetic counselors – each bringing specific expertise. The choice of treatment depends on tumor size, location, patient age and genetic background, creating a highly personalized plan.
Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deep into drug comparisons, dosing guides and safety tips. These resources complement the therapy overview, helping you understand how each medication fits into the broader retinoblastoma treatment strategy and what to expect from modern oncology care.
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