DEC 04, 2009
Pediatric Ophth/Strabismus
The authors of this study reviewed the literature on the management of retinoblastoma, as well as their own clinical and research experience, to provide an overview and perspective on current and future disease management. They describe how the disease has evolved over the past 40 years from a deadly childhood cancer to one that is largely curable.
However, they write that it remains crucial to continue the search for targeted therapy:
"There is much left to be improved in our management of retinoblastoma. The issues that will require continued attention include the following: 1) Collecting genotype-phenotype correlations with mutations in the RB1 gene as well other associated molecular modifiers may give us the information we need to hone our ability to discuss disease prognosis and treatment effectiveness with patients afflicted with retinoblastoma. Both strategies for individualized treatment and for genetic counseling will be altered in response to our future findings regarding the complex molecular genetics of this cancer syndrome; and 2) As effective as systemic chemotherapy is in treating retinoblastoma, its systemic toxicity is less than ideal in infants, and at times, it can be fatal. In this regard, the search for effective yet safe local drug delivery techniques and media is an essential one."