Eye Salvage with Intra-Arterial and Intra-Vitreal Chemotherapy in Patients with Retinoblastoma: 8-Year Single-Institution Experience in Colombia

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Introduction: Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is useful for eye preservation in advanced retinoblastoma (Rb). Intra-vitreal chemotherapy (IvitC) is the latest treatment for vitreous seeds. Methods: The present study is a retrospective assessment of 100 eyes, treated with primary or secondary IAC alone or with IvitC. We evaluated demographic and clinical variables, eye salvage, associated adverse events, and patient survival. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox hazard ratios were utilized to assess the effect of demographic and clinical variables over eye salvage. Results: Bilateral Rb was observed in 61% of patients, and 57% of eyes received secondary treatment. Forty eyes needed intra-arterial plus IvitC and 62 presented advanced disease (group D and E). Three- and 5-year ocular survival probabilities were 75 and 68%. We found a higher risk in group D and E eyes and those requiring 2 or more routes for ophthalmic artery catheterization. Patients coming from other countries also showed increased risk. Using primary or secondary treatment, or IvitC, did not affect this risk. Overall rates of survival and eye salvages were 98.8 and 73%, and we had a 100% catheterization success and none ophthalmic arterial occlusions. Conclusions: In an upper middle-income country such as Colombia, a specialized institution counting with therapeutic alternatives and a multidisciplinary team can reach rates of patient survival and eye salvage similar to those of high-income countries.