Supraselective injection of intraarterial melphalan as the primary treatment for late presentation unilateral multifocal stage Vb retinoblastoma

Retina. 2010 Apr;30(4 Suppl):S63-5. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0b013e3181cbda0f.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report a case of a 7-year-old girl with unilateral, multifocal Reese Ellsworth Stage Vb retinoblastoma who was successfully treated using intraarterial chemotherapy infusion as the primary therapy.

Methods: This is an interventional case report. A 7-year-old girl presented with advanced unilateral retinoblastoma. The patient received intraarterial melphalan infusion therapy as the primary treatment.

Results: Complete tumor resolution was seen at 1 month after intraarterial melphalan infusion.

Conclusion: This case of advanced retinoblastoma in a 7-year-old girl was successfully treated with intraarterial melphalan infusion alone. Treatment resulted in complete resolution of the tumor 1 month after treatment. In comparison with systemic chemotherapy, intraarterial melphalan infusion therapy may be a less toxic and more effective primary treatment option in the future management of advanced retinoblastoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / administration & dosage*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intra-Arterial
  • Melphalan / administration & dosage*
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Remission Induction
  • Retinal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Retinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Retinoblastoma / drug therapy*
  • Retinoblastoma / pathology
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Melphalan