Ophthalmic artery chemosurgery for retinoblastoma: an initial 3-year experience from two major institutes in Egypt

Background Intra-arterial chemotherapy has shown promising results and improved the prognosis of retinoblastoma in the developed countries. Here, we aim to report our initial experience, in Egypt, in the treatment of all stages of naïve retinoblastoma with ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC), using melphalan. Results The technique was successful in 23 out of 26 eyes. Overall, a total of 63 treatment sessions were performed. Ophthalmic artery catheterization was performed in 59 treatment sessions, whereas middle meningeal artery catheterization was performed in 4 treatment sessions. Adequate tumor control was achieved in 95.6%. Progression has developed in one eye after the third OAC session. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 months. Recurrence of the main tumor as well as vitreous and subretinal seeds was reported in one eye after 19-month duration. A globe salvage rate of 91.3% was attained. No metastasis was recorded, and all patients were alive within the stated follow-up period. Conclusion A high globe salvage rate along with metastasis free survival and mild complications were achieved. Therefore, our initial experience with OAC in primary retinoblastoma proved to be safe and effective.