New strategies in pediatric ophthalmic oncology
Balmer, A.; Munier, F.; Zografos, L.
Revue Medicale Suisse 4(140): 139-143
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1660-9379 PMID: 18309877 Document Number: 618702
Retinoblastoma represents 11% of all cancers during the first year of life. New drugs and focal treatments have been developed in order to avoid the side effects of systemic chemotherapy and external radiotherapy. New targeted and local administration strategies such as periocular chemotherapy (topotecan) or direct ophthalmic artery delivery (carboplatin), are already used today in selected resistant cases. Radiotherapy, presently indicated only as a second-line treatment, is also subject to new techniques, targeting tumors more closely to avoid involving healthy tissue and reduce the risk of radio-induced nonocular tumors. Stereotactic conformal radiotherapy and proton therapy may thus be included in the new range of treatment methods in retinoblastoma.