Present Scenario and Future Prospects in the Management of Retinoblastoma: A Review

Abstract

Abstract: Retinoblastoma is the most common pediatric ocular cancer. This cancer occurs due to malignancy in retinoblast cells, which are precursors of photoreceptors, horizontal cells, amacrine cells, muller cells, and retinal progenitor cells in the retina of the eye. Genetic correlation has been observed in most cases of retinoblastoma. It is caused due to the suppression or mutation of the reti- noblastoma 1 gene (RB1 gene), which is located at the 14th band of both alleles of the 13th human chromosome. RB1 gene is a tumour suppressor gene responsible for regulating cell growth and con- trolling abnormal cell division. In the last two decades, as accurate identification of characteristic fea- tures of cancer cells at various stages of retinoblastoma has been made, we can now plan more ad- vanced and personalized management of the disease due to improved and focused therapeutic effects of cryotherapy, thermotherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical interventions. These efforts can lead to a better survival rate with reduced damage to the non-cancerous cells in the eyeball, pro- moting better visual performance (better visual acuity and visual axis alignment). Based on studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar till 2023, current treatment options at various stages of ret- inoblastoma are reviewed to suggest the most promising treatment options. Based on this infor- mation, a clear treatment flowchart has been prepared. This review article can assist researchers, eye specialists, geneticists, and cancer specialists in determining the most promising method for treating retinoblastoma at various stages