Management of Retinoblastoma: A Challenge in Pediatric Ophthalmology

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common intraocular malignancy. If left untreated, Rb can result in death within 1-2 years. However, with timely detection and proper treatment, the survival rate is as high as 98%. The primary goal of Rb treatment is to eliminate cancer and save the patient's life, while the second goal includes preserving the eye and vision. Management of Rb requires timely detection, differentiation of the tumor from similar conditions, staging, making informed decisions about the best therapeutic approach, and close follow-up to detect any signs of tumor recurrence. There are several treatment options available for Rb. Early detection and proper treatment are essential in saving the lives and vision of children affected by Rb. Progress in developing efficient diagnostic and therapeutic techniques brings hope to patients with Rb and their families. The PubMed database was utilized to identify relevant references published during the last 35 years. This article shows basic and current concepts on managing Rb, which encompasses diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, follow-up, and challenges.