Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma in 341 consecutive eyes (1,292 infusions): comparative analysis of outcomes based on patient age, race, and sex.

PURPOSE

To evaluate tumor control and globe salvage following intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma based on International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) and patient demographics.

METHODS

The medical records of 313 patients (341 eyes) treated with IAC were reviewed retrospectively. Chemotherapy agents included melphalan, topotecan, and carboplatin. Comparative analysis was performed for tumor control and globe salvage based on ICRB and patient demographics including age (≤12 vs >12 months), race (white vs nonwhite), and sex.

RESULTS

Of the 341 eyes treated with 1,292 consecutive infusions of IAC as primary or secondary therapy for retinoblastoma, Kaplan-Meier 5-year estimates of globe salvage was 74%. Of those treated with IAC as primary therapy (n = 160 eyes; 655 infusions), 5-year globe salvage overall was 76%: and more specifically, 100% for groups B and C, 86% for group D, and 55% for group E. Of those treated with IAC as secondary therapy (n = 207 eyes; 859 infusions), 5-year globe salvage was 71%. Comparative analysis by race and sex demonstrated no differences in outcomes, but analysis by age revealed that younger patients had a higher rate of globe salvage (77% vs 72%; P < 0.001). Complications (per catheterization) included retina ischemia (1%), choroidal ischemia (1%), neovascularization of the disk, retina, iris (NVI), glaucoma (about 1% each), and central/peripheral systemic ischemia (<1%). Younger patients showed less NVI (P = 0.028), white patients showed less retinal ischemia (P = 0.037), and no difference by sex. There were no patients with metastatic disease or death.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that IAC provides substantial tumor control for advanced and/or recurrent retinoblastoma with a high rate of globe salvage and few complications. There was little difference in outcomes per age, race, and sex.