Successful treatment of macular retinoblastoma with superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan.

PURPOSE To report our experience with superselective ophthalmic artery infusion of melphalan (SOAIM) for macular retinoblastoma to obtain tumor control while preserving as much useful vision as possible. METHODS Five patients with newly diagnosed unilateral retinoblastoma involving the macula were selected within a group of patients eligible for SOAIM as the primary treatment. RESULTS The mean tumor basal dimension and thickness in this group of five patients with macular retinoblastoma were 11.6 and 12.3 mm, respectively. The stage at diagnosis ranged from II to VB (Reese-Ellsworth) or B to D (International Classification System). Tumor regression with SOAIM was achieved in all cases with regression patterns type I in four cases and III in one case. CONCLUSIONS SOAIM can be of value in the treatment of macular retinoblastoma. It may allow the salvage of the residual eyesight with a low rate of complications due to the local and systemic toxicity related to chemotherapy.