Retinoblastoma in a 23-year-old adult treated with primary intra-arterial and intravitreal chemotherapy

Abstract

Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) continues to provide a globe-sparing alternative as primary treatment for retinoblastoma with few adverse events. While there is growing evidence to highlight the utility of IAC in children with retinoblastoma, adult cases treated with primary IAC have not previously been characterized. We describe a rare case of Group D retinoblastoma in a 23-year-old adult treated successfully with IAC and intravitreal chemotherapy. This is a retrospective case report of a single patient. Subsequent to IAC and intravitreal chemotherapeutic treatments, at last follow-up 14 months following initial presentation and 8 months since last treatment, the retinoblastoma demonstrated complete regression into a partially calcified scar, with complete resolution of intravitreal and subretinal seeds and no evidence of tumor recurrence. Visual acuity improved to 20/30 in the left eye. There were no adverse events from therapy. Despite its rarity, it is important to consider retinoblastoma in the differential diagnosis of a white mass, even in an adult. Furthermore, this case highlights the utility of IAC for retinoblastoma, despite older patient age.

Keywords

• Adult ocular tumor
• chemotherapy
• retinoblastoma