Treatment and diagnosis of retinoblastoma: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: Review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of retinoblastoma based on scientific updates. Bibliographic review: Retinoblastoma is a rare intraocular tumor associated with RB1 gene mutation, being the most common in childhood. Leukocoria and strabismus are the main manifestations of the disease and the diagnosis can be obtained by indirect ophthalmoscopy, which, when performed early, can increase the chance of cure and maintenance of vision. The treatment of the disease still needs to be better elucidated, requiring an individual assessment based on the International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB). The following treatment options are used: Intravenous Chemotherapy (IVC), intra-Arterial Chemotherapy (IAC), Intravitreal Chemotherapy (IvitC), consolidation therapies (cryotherapy and Transpupillary Thermotherapy [TTT]), radiation-based therapies (External Radiation Therapy [EBRT])., plaque radiotherapy) and enucleation. Final considerations: It is evident the importance of ophthalmological evaluations in children, in view of being the only way to guarantee an early diagnosis. Thus, the earlier the disease is detected, the better the prognosis.