A Study to Give Treatment Inside the Eye to Treat Retinoblastoma

This study is for children under 18 years old who have been newly diagnosed with retinoblastoma that is only in the eye (not spread elsewhere). Your child's doctor would need to confirm that their specific type of retinoblastoma fits the study criteria, usually meaning it's a more advanced type within the eye, often with those 'vitreous seeds' present.

Your child also needs to be generally well enough to participate, with certain blood counts (like those that fight infection and help blood clot) and kidney function within a healthy range. These checks help ensure they can safely receive the treatments. If your child has other serious health problems, they might not be able to join.

It's important to know that the study is not for children whose cancer has spread outside the eye. The doctors will review all your child's medical information carefully to see if this study is a good match for them.

If your child participates, they will receive a combination of standard chemotherapy medicines given through a drip into their vein. These will be given over two days in cycles, with breaks in between. Additionally, a medicine called melphalan will be carefully injected directly into the affected eye. This injection happens during planned procedures where your child will be under anaesthesia, so they won't feel anything.

Throughout the study, your child will have regular check-ups, which include detailed examinations of their eyes while they are under anaesthesia, along with ultrasound scans and MRI scans to monitor the cancer and how they are responding to treatment. Blood samples will also be taken to check their health and how the medicines are affecting them. The total duration of treatment and follow-up will vary depending on how your child responds, but a treatment cycle typically lasts around two weeks initially.