What are the treatment options for retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The team assesses the tumour’s size, position and number, whether one or both eyes are affected, and whether the eye can see. Examination under anaesthesia and imaging may be used to plan care.

Chemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the bloodstream and may shrink tumours or make local treatment more effective. Brachytherapy places a small radiation source close to the tumour for a planned period, helping focus treatment on the affected area. The exact approach depends on the eye findings and the child’s wider health.

Keep appointments with the paediatric eye cancer team and bring a list of medicines, allergies and relevant family history. Ask how examinations, anaesthesia and treatment days will work, and how your child’s vision, growth and general wellbeing will be monitored.

Treatment may involve more than one method or several planned visits. The team will explain possible effects such as tiredness, changes in blood counts or local eye irritation, and what to do if they occur. Support with transport, feeding, sleep and emotional wellbeing can make the treatment period easier for a child and family.

Call the treatment team promptly if your child develops fever, becomes unusually sleepy, cannot keep fluids down, has significant pain, or has redness, swelling or discharge around the eye. Seek urgent help for a sudden change in vision, severe eye pain, difficulty breathing or a child who is difficult to wake.

Ask which eye findings guide the plan, whether the aim is to preserve vision as well as control the tumour, and why chemotherapy, brachytherapy or a combination is advised. Ask about anaesthesia, treatment timing, side effects, genetic counselling and the schedule for eye examinations.