Gary Kocharian

Abstract Background Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is a growing method of therapy for retinoblastoma (Rb). There is an absence of data to support the safety of catheterization with intra-arterial infusion in this pediatric population Objective To focus on the non-ocular catheter/procedural-related complications that our practice has experienced in order to lay a foundation for practices interested in performing these procedures and hopefully, to help prevent them from occurring.

Abstract Background Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common primary ocular malignancy of childhood. Left untreated, it is 100% fatal and carries a substantial risk of impaired vision and removal of one or both eyes. Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) has become a pillar in the treatment paradigm for Rb that allows for better eye salvage and vision preservation without compromising survival. We describe the evolution of our technique over 15 years.

Abstract Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) for retinoblastoma is a minimally invasive and chemotherapeutic approach resulting in eye salvage and vision restoration or preservation. Moreover, IAC has proven to effectively treat advanced retinoblastoma while not compromising patient survival. Our institutional experience with IAC for retinoblastoma has included over 500 patients and over 2400 intra-arterial infusions.