Globe salvage in Group D and Group E retinblastoma after intra arterial chemotherapy (IAC).

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of IAC in Group D and E retinoblastoma, with a specific focus on globe salvage, in a tertiary care center in Pakistan. Study Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Lahore General Hospital, Lahore. Period: 20^th June 2025 to 20^th August 2025. Methods: In which patients with group D and E retinoblastoma were included. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from ophthalmology department of Lahore General Hospital. Patients received six cycles of intravenous chemotherapy followed by IAC. Up to four IAC sessions were administered. Tumor regression was assessed one-month post-IAC, and globe salvage was defined by sustained stability over six months. Results: There were 55 eyes of 55 patients. Mean age was 20.96±14.03 months. Twenty-nine eyes had group D and 26 had group E retinoblastoma. Tumor regression was noted in most of both groups, with no significant difference. Globe salvage with vision was observed more frequently in Group D (44.8%) compared to Group E (19.2%). Enucleation and loss of visual function were more common in Group E. Ischemic toxicity was rare, signifying the relative safety of IAC. Conclusion: Intra-arterial chemotherapy is an effective globe-sparing treatment for retinoblastoma, achieving high rates of tumor regression and globe salvage, even in advanced disease stages.