Visual Results and Ocular Complications Following Radiotherapy for Retinoblastoma

Abstract
• Between 1956 and 1974, 28 children with retinoblastoma have been irradiated with the linear accelerator at the Stanford University Medical Center. Twenty-seven children (96%) have been cured of their tumor, with follow-up ranging from 2½ to 21 years. In these survivors, 50 eyes were affected. Twelve were treated by primary enucleation and 38 were irradiated. Sixteen of the 38 irradiated eyes (42%) were ultimately enucleated for recurrent tumor, neovascular glaucoma, or inability to observe the tumor through opaque media. Thus, 22 (58%) irradiated eyes were saved. Of these, five eyes had visual acuity of 20/40 or better, five had 20/50 to 20/100, nine had 20/200 to hand motion, and three had light perception or no light perception. Radiation therapy can sterilize the tumor and maintain useful vision in many children with retinoblastoma.

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