Superselective ophthalmic intra-arterial melphalan therapy for children with advanced intraocular retinoblastoma

Abstract

Objective To assess the safety and effectiveness of superselective ophthalmic intraarterial melphalan therapy for children with advanced intraocular retinoblastoma (RB).Methods In the RB Treatment Center of General Hospital of Armed Police Forces between April 2009 and June 2012,65 eyes of 53 patients who were diagnosed intraocular RB treated with superselective ophthalmic intra-arterial melphalan therapy.Among them,38 patients were male and 25 patients were femal with age range from 4 to 48 months,average 20.1 monthes.The microcatheter was posited in opening of treated side ophthalmic artery with intervention technics.Melphalan then delivered in 30 minutes per ill eye.Each month had once treatment.The ophthalmic and the whole body evaluations were performed during treatment phase and after treatment for each circle.Follow-up range was 2 to 41 months.Results 18 eyes of 14 patients were treated 1 circle,43 eyes of 35 patients were treated 2 circles and 4 eyes of 3 patients were treated 3 circles (tatal 116 times).Successful superselective ophthalmic intra-arterial melphalan therapies were achieved in all cases,and no severe side effects occurred during treatment.In 65 eyes of 53 patients,55 eyes(84.6％) were in remission.10 eyes were performed enucleation as tumors advanced.Conclusions Superselective ophthalmic intra-arterial melphalan therapy is a safe and effective method in treating advanced intraocular retinoblastoma,but further follow-up is required to confirm treatment long-term effectiveness. Key words: Retinoblastoma; Superselective ophthalmic artery chemotherapy; Melphalan