Prophylactic radiotherapy in retinoblastoma - is it really new?
1993
Prophylactic Radiotherapy in Retinoblastoma
Sample size: 44
Editorial
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): S.S. Donaldson
Primary Institution: Stanford University Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can prophylactic radiotherapy effectively prevent disease in infants with heritable retinoblastoma?
Conclusion
Prophylactic radiation can help prevent disease in the contralateral eye of infants with heritable retinoblastoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Prophylactic radiation has been shown to prevent disease in high-risk infants.
- Visual acuities of 20/20 and 20/30 have been reported in treated children.
- Total doses of 4,000 to 5,400 cGy have been used in treatment.
Takeaway
Doctors are using special radiation to help babies with eye cancer not get sick in the other eye.
Methodology
The study discusses the use of direct lateral radiation beams in treating retinoblastoma in infants.
Limitations
The lens sparing technique may have provided too much coverage to anterior structures, leading to failures.
Participant Demographics
Infants and young children with heritable retinoblastoma.
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website