Trilateral retinoblastoma: potentially curable with intensive chemotherapy

Ten things you learned in your residency about retinoblastoma that have changed the 2023 Victor T. Curtin Lecture

Retinoblatoma is now the pediatric cancer with the highest cure rate. More than any other ocular malignancy the approach to this cancer has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Most of the things taught to the majority of all Ophthalmology residents is out of date. Because few Ophthalmologists deal with retinoblastoma they are not aware of these seismic changes so this summary of my Curtin lectures outlines some of the major changes all Ophthalmologists should be familiar with.

Intensive Multimodality Therapy for Extraocular Retinoblastoma: A Children's Oncology Group Trial (ARET0321)

PURPOSE

Metastatic retinoblastoma has a poor prognosis when treated with conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT). Intensified therapy may improve the outcome.

METHODS

A prospective, international trial enrolled patients with extraocular retinoblastoma. Patients with stage II or III (locoregional) retinoblastoma received four cycles of chemotherapy, followed by involved field RT (45 Gy). Patients with stage IVa or IVb (metastatic or trilateral) retinoblastoma also received four cycles of chemotherapy and those with ≥ partial response then received one cycle of high-dose carboplatin, thiotepa, and etoposide with autologous hematopoietic stem-cell support. Patients with stage IVa or IVb with residual tumor postchemotherapy received RT. The proportion of patients who achieved event-free survival would be reported and compared with historical controls separately for each of the three groups of patients.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven eligible patients were included in the analyses. Event-free survival at 1 year was 88.1% (90% CI, 66.6 to 96.2) for stage II-III, 82.6% (90% CI, 61.0 to 92.9) for stage IVa, and 28.3% (90% CI, 12.7 to 46.2) for stage IVb/trilateral. Toxicity was significant as expected and included two therapy-related deaths.

CONCLUSION

Intensive multimodality therapy is highly effective for patients with regional extraocular retinoblastoma and stage IVa metastatic retinoblastoma. Although the study met its aim for stage IVb, more effective therapy is still required for patients with CNS involvement (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00554788).

Advances in biomaterials for the treatment of retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in children. Although traditional chemotherapy has shown some success in retinoblastoma management, there are several shortcomings to this approach, including inadequate pharmacokinetic parameters, multidrug resistance, low therapeutic efficiency, nonspecific targeting, and the need for adjuvant therapy, among others. The revolutionary developments in biomaterials for drug delivery have enabled breakthroughs in cancer management. Today, biomaterials are playing a crucial role in developing more efficacious retinoblastoma treatments. The key goal in the evolution of drug delivery biomaterials for retinoblastoma therapy is to resolve delivery-associated obstacles and lower nonlocal exposure while ameliorating certain adverse effects. In this review, we will first delve into the historical perspective of retinoblastoma with a focus on the classical treatments currently used in clinics to enhance patients' quality of life and survival rate. As we move along, we will discuss biomaterials for drug delivery applications. Various aspects of biomaterials for drug delivery will be dissected, including their features and recent advances. In accordance with the current advances in biomaterials, we will deliver a synopsis on the novel chemotherapeutic drug delivery strategies and evaluate these approaches to gain new insights into retinoblastoma treatment.

Molecular classification of a complex structural rearrangement of the RB1 locus in an infant with sporadic, isolated, intracranial, sellar region retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer of the retina involving germline or somatic alterations of the RB Transcriptional Corepressor 1 gene, RB1. Rare cases of sellar-suprasellar region retinoblastoma without evidence of ocular or pineal tumors have been described. A nine-month-old male presented with a sellar-suprasellar region mass. Histopathology showed an embryonal tumor with focal Flexner-Wintersteiner-like rosettes and loss of retinoblastoma protein (RB1) expression by immunohistochemistry. DNA array-based methylation profiling confidently classified the tumor as pineoblastoma group A/intracranial retinoblastoma. The patient was subsequently enrolled on an institutional translational cancer research protocol and underwent comprehensive molecular profiling, including paired tumor/normal exome and genome sequencing and RNA-sequencing of the tumor. Additionally, Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT) sequencing was performed from comparator normal and disease-involved tissue to resolve complex structural variations. RNA-sequencing revealed multiple fusions clustered within 13q14.1-q21.3, including a novel in-frame fusion of RB1-SIAH3 predicted to prematurely truncate the RB1 protein. SMRT sequencing revealed a complex structural rearrangement spanning 13q14.11-q31.3, including two somatic structural variants within intron 17 of RB1. These events corresponded to the RB1-SIAH3 fusion and a novel RB1 rearrangement expected to correlate with the complete absence of RB1 protein expression. Comprehensive molecular analysis, including DNA array-based methylation profiling and sequencing-based methodologies, were critical for classification and understanding the complex mechanism of RB1 inactivation in this diagnostically challenging tumor.

Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging features of 14 patients with trilateral retinoblastoma

Background

Our study aimed to comprehensively investigate the age of onset, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features, and prognosis of children with trilateral retinoblastoma (TRB).

Methods

We included 14 patients with TRB diagnosed or followed up in our hospital. The age of onset and MRI features of the intraocular tumor and intracranial lesions were evaluated. A follow-up study was also conducted.

Results

A total of 11 participants were diagnosed with concurrent TRB at the age of 11.1±7.4 months, and 3 participants had late-onset TRB at age 37±19.1 months. The incidence of TRB with unilateral eye involvement was 7.1% (1/14). The intraocular tumors showed intense enhancement in contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images (WI) and significant diffusion restriction in diffusion WI (DWI) with an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of (0.619±0.22)×10^-3 mm²/s. The intracranial lesions showed similar DWI aspects with an ADC value of (0.680±0.206)×10^-3 mm²/s. Therapeutically, 8 participants had a period of intraocular tumor stabilization and significant intracranial lesion volume reduction after chemotherapy, and 6 participants had given up treatment. Only 2 participants who simultaneously received high-dose chemotherapy and autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue were still alive with no recurrence at 24 and 54 months of follow-up. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS) rates were 80%, 18.75%, and 12.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with unilateral or bilateral RB can develop TRB. The intraocular and intracranial tumors showed slightly different ADC values. High-dose chemotherapy, combined with stem cell rescue can significantly improve survival. A long term and scheduled follow-up before 60 months of age is necessary for screening later-onset TRB patients.

Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms in Retinoblastoma Survivors

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a pediatric malignant eye tumor. Subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) and trilateral Rb (TRb) are the leading cause of death in heritable Rb patients in developed countries. The high rate of SMNs in heritable Rb patients is attributed to the presence of a mutation in the RB1 tumor suppressor gene. In addition, Rb therapy choices also influence SMN incidence in this patient group. The incidence rates and age of occurrence for the most frequent SMNs and TRb will be discussed. In addition, the impact of genetic predisposition and Rb treatments on the development of SMNs will be evaluated. Furthermore, screening and other prevention methods will be reviewed.

Clinical Features and Survival of Chinese Children With Trilateral Retinoblastoma During 2006-2019: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

PURPOSE

To summarize the clinical features and survival of Chinese patients with trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb), which may help guide early diagnosis and more effective treatments.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Clinical records of patients with TRb were reviewed to identify clinical characteristics and outcomes. TRb was diagnosed mainly based on imaging findings of an enlarged solid pineal or sellar mass. Mutation screening was performed using peripheral blood leucocyte DNA from 3 patients.

RESULTS

Fourteen patients with TRb were identified from among 3,789 patients with retinoblastoma (0.4%). Thirteen patients had bilateral retinoblastoma and 1 patient had unilateral disease. The follow-up results revealed that 2 patients survived, 3 patients were lost to follow-up, and 9 patients died. The mean overall survival was 9.8 months (95% confidence interval: 2.3-17.2), and the 2-year survival rate was 18.8% (95% confidence interval: 2.9-45.1) based on Kaplan-Meier estimates. Cox regression multivariate analysis showed metastasis at TRb diagnosis was an independent variable of overall survival (hazard ratio: 15.8; 95% confidence interval: 0.24-5.29; P = .032). Three germline mutations in the RB1 gene were detected via next-generation sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

TRb is a rare intracranial mid-line neuroblastic disease. Increased awareness of this disease could guide early detection, which has been associated with improved outcomes.

Genetic syndromes predisposing to pediatric brain tumors

The application of high-throughput sequencing approaches including paired tumor/normal sampling with therapeutic intent has demonstrated that 8%-19% of pediatric CNS tumor patients harbor a germline alteration in a classical tumor predisposition gene (NF1, P53). In addition, large-scale germline sequencing studies in unselected cohorts of pediatric neuro-oncology patients have demonstrated novel candidate tumor predisposition genes (ELP1 alterations in sonic hedgehog medulloblastoma). Therefore, the possibility of an underlying tumor predisposition syndrome (TPS) should be considered in all pediatric patients diagnosed with a CNS tumor which carries critical implications including accurate prognostication, selection of optimal therapy, screening, risk reduction, and family planning. The Pediatric Cancer Working Group of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) recently published consensus screening recommendations for children with the most common TPS. In this review, we provide an overview of the most relevant as well as recently identified TPS associated with the most frequently encountered pediatric CNS tumors with an emphasis on pathogenesis, genetic testing, clinical features, and treatment implications.

Stem-Cell Therapy Following High-Dose Chemotherapy in Advanced Retinoblastoma: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To analyze the risk and benefit of high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation (HDCT-SCT) treatment in patients with advanced retinoblastoma.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search from 4 online databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane was done for original studies evaluating the use of HDCT followed by SCT in the treatment of patients with advanced retinoblastoma. The last search was performed on April 15, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 35 studies consisting of 160 patients were considered suitable for inclusion. After HDCT-SCT treatment, 108/160 (67.5%) patients were alive with no evidence of disease at the last follow-up. The incidence of secondary malignancy in our data was also relatively low, which was 16/160 (10%) patients. The side effects were mainly hematological and gastrointestinal toxicities. The prognosis for metastatic cases especially the one to the central nervous system (CNS) remains poor, as shown in our data that 22 of 44 (50%) patients died due to the evidence of disease, and 12 of 44 (27%) patients acquired CNS relapse and died.

CONCLUSIONS

HDCT-SCT is a promising treatment option in patients with advanced retinoblastoma. The use of HDCT-SCT in CNS metastases needs to be carefully considered, possibly by adding thiotepa or topotecan to improve tumor control. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to draw firm conclusion regarding its safety and efficacy.

A Potential Role For Apparent Diffusion Coefficient in the Diagnosis of Trilateral Retinoblastoma

We attempted to investigate the potential role for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) to diagnose trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) by retrospectively reviewing brain magnetic resonance images of retinoblastoma patients. Observations: The median ADC measured 620.95 for TRb (n=6) and 1238.5 for normal pineal gland in bilateral retinoblastoma (n=8). Monitoring ADC trends aided in establishing the appropriate diagnoses in 3 patients (2 TRb, 1 benign pineal cyst). Conclusions: Our results provide baseline reference data and describe the importance of downward trending ADC which should prompt consideration of TRb. Unchanged high/nonrestricted values (>1000) may distinguish those with benign pineal tissue and obviate invasive neurosurgical procedures.

Conservative management of retinoblastoma: Challenging orthodoxy without compromising the state of metastatic grace. "Alive, with good vision and no comorbidity"

Retinoblastoma is lethal by metastasis if left untreated, so the primary goal of therapy is to preserve life, with ocular survival, visual preservation and quality of life as secondary aims. Historically, enucleation was the first successful therapeutic approach to decrease mortality, followed over 100 years ago by the first eye salvage attempts with radiotherapy. This led to the empiric delineation of a window for conservative management subject to a "state of metastatic grace" never to be violated. Over the last two decades, conservative management of retinoblastoma witnessed an impressive acceleration of improvements, culminating in two major paradigm shifts in therapeutic strategy. Firstly, the introduction of systemic chemotherapy and focal treatments in the late 1990s enabled radiotherapy to be progressively abandoned. Around 10 years later, the advent of chemotherapy in situ, with the capitalization of new routes of targeted drug delivery, namely intra-arterial, intravitreal and now intracameral injections, allowed significant increase in eye preservation rate, definitive eradication of radiotherapy and reduction of systemic chemotherapy. Here we intend to review the relevant knowledge susceptible to improve the conservative management of retinoblastoma in compliance with the "state of metastatic grace", with particular attention to (i) reviewing how new imaging modalities impact the frontiers of conservative management, (ii) dissecting retinoblastoma genesis, growth patterns, and intraocular routes of tumor propagation, (iii) assessing major therapeutic changes and trends, (iv) proposing a classification of relapsing retinoblastoma, (v) examining treatable/preventable disease-related or treatment-induced complications, and (vi) appraising new therapeutic targets and concepts, as well as liquid biopsy potentiality.

Ectopic intracranial retinoblastoma in a 3.5-month-old infant without eye involvement and without evidence of heritability

Heritable retinoblastoma can rarely be associated with a midline intracranial neuroblastic tumor, referred to as trilateral retinoblastoma. We present an unusual midline brain tumor in an infant that was identified as ectopic retinoblastoma by histopathology, DNA methylation analysis, and molecular genetic detection of biallelic somatic inactivation of the RB1 gene. There was no ocular involvement, and germline mutation was excluded. In this nonresectable tumor, treatment with systemic chemotherapy including high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation, but without definite local therapy, resulted in long-lasting tumor control.

Retinoblastoma, the visible CNS tumor: A review

The pediatric ocular cancer retinoblastoma is the only central nervous system (CNS) tumor readily observed without specialized equipment: it can be seen by, and in, the naked eye. This accessibility enables unique imaging modalities. Here, we review this cancer for a neuroscience audience, highlighting these clinical and research imaging options, including fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. We also discuss the subtype of retinoblastoma driven by the MYCN oncogene more commonly associated with neuroblastoma, and consider trilateral retinoblastoma, in which an intracranial tumor arises along with ocular tumors in patients with germline RB1 gene mutations. Retinoblastoma research and clinical care can offer insights applicable to CNS malignancies, and also benefit from approaches developed elsewhere in the CNS.

Minimal disseminated disease evaluation and outcome in trilateral retinoblastoma

Trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) presents a management challenge, since intracranial tumours are seldom times resectable and quickly disseminate. However, there are no risk factors to predict the final outcome in each patient.

Objective

To evaluate minimal disseminated disease (MDD) in the bone marrow (BM) and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at diagnosis and during follow-up and reviewing its potential impact in the outcome of patients with TRb.

Methods and analysis

We evaluated MDD in five patients with TRb, detecting the mRNA of CRX and/or GD2, in samples from BM and CSF, obtained at diagnosis, follow-up and relapse.

Results

Treatment involved intensive systemic chemotherapy in four patients, one did not receive this treatment and died of progression of the disease. Two patients underwent stem cell rescue. Three patients had leptomeningeal relapse and died. One patient remains disease-free for 84 months. RB1 mutations were identified in the five patients, all of them were null mutations. At diagnosis, one patient had tumour cells in the CSF, and none had the BM involved. Only one case of four presented MDD during follow-up in the CSF, without concomitant detection in the BM. On leptomeningeal relapse, no case had MDD in the BM. In all these cases, cells in the CSF were positive for GD2 and/or CRX.

Conclusion

CSF dissemination always concluded in the death of the patient, without concomitant systemic dissemination denoting the importance of increasing treatment directed to the CSF compartment. The MDD presence could indicate a forthcoming relapse.

Recent advancements in the management of retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma

Retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma are the most common intraocular malignancies observed in pediatric and adult populations, respectively. For retinoblastoma, intra-arterial chemotherapy has dramatically improved treatment outcomes and eye salvage rates compared with traditional salvage rates of systemic chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy. Intravitreal injections of chemotherapy have also demonstrated excellent efficacy for vitreous seeds. Uveal melanoma, on the other hand, is treated predominantly with iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy or with proton beam therapy. Major strides in uveal melanoma genomics have been made since the early 2000s, allowing ocular oncologists to better understand the metastatic risks of the tumor on the basis of specific genetic signatures. Loss-of-function mutations of the BAP1 gene are associated with the highest metastatic risk, whereas gain-of-function mutations of SF3B1 and EIF1AX often confer a better prognosis. Expression of a cancer-testis antigen called PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma) has been shown to increase metastatic risks in both low-risk and high-risk melanomas. New therapeutic approaches, including molecular therapies and nanoparticle phototherapy, are currently being investigated as alternative treatment modalities for uveal melanoma.

Three presentations of CNS disease in patients with intraocular retinoblastoma at a tertiary medical center in the United States

BACKGROUND

Patients with intraocular retinoblastoma who present with central nervous (CNS) disease at diagnosis is very rare in developed countries.

METHODS

Herein, we report a review of patients with intraocular retinoblastoma diagnosed with concurrent CNS disease in the United States between January 2011 and June 2013.

RESULTS

Three patients were identified in this review. The first case is a 2-year old male who presented with unilateral Group E retinoblastoma, optic nerve infiltration to the orbital apex, and a suprasellar mass. The second case is a 5-month old female with bilateral retinoblastoma, who had no optic nerve invasion, but demonstrated a temporal lobe lesion that was biopsy-proven to be metastatic retinoblastoma. The third case is a 10-month old girl with bilateral retinoblastoma who presented with a sellar mass and no evidence of optic nerve invasion in the enucleated Group E eye.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare in developed countries, patients with intraocular retinoblastoma can present with a spectrum of CNS findings at the time of diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits is a critical component of the staging evaluation.

Trilateral retinoblastoma: A systematic review of 211 cases

We conducted a systematic review of 72 studies to characterize trilateral retinoblastomas. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to estimate survival, and statistical significance was assessed by using a log-rank test. We analyzed 211 cases of trilateral retinoblastomas. The average age of onset of retinoblastoma was 0.79 ± 1.38 years, and the average latency period between the onset of retinoblastomas and trilateral retinoblastomas was 1.49 ± 1.76 years. The brain tumors were found before the retinoblastoma diagnosis in 6 cases (3.1%), concurrently in 61 cases (32.1%), and after the retinoblastoma diagnosis in 123 cases (64.7%). Pineal tumors were found in 155 cases (73.4%) and sellar tumors in 46 cases (21.8%). The overall median survival was 10.3 months (95% CI, 8.5-13) and the 5-year survival rate was 15.7%. Central nervous system symptoms were variable and associated with shorter survival in univariate and multivariate analyses. The survival time in patients who received high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant was significantly longer (p = 0.0067) than that of with or without conventional chemotherapy. Twelve long-term survivors were reported, and of these, six patients were treated with high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell transplant and six patients were treated with conventional chemotherapy. It is important that survivors continue to undergo regular medical surveillance in order to detect trilateral retinoblastoma at a potentially curative stage. Trilateral retinoblastoma patients with an irradiation history had shorter survival than those without irradiation history for retinoblastoma. High-dose chemotherapy should be considered as a potential treatment option for trilateral retinoblastomas.

Modeling Developmental and Tumorigenic Aspects of Trilateral Retinoblastoma via Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) provide a platform for studying human development and understanding mechanisms underlying diseases. Retinoblastoma-1 (RB1) is a key regulator of cell cycling, of which biallelic inactivation initiates retinoblastoma, the most common congenital intraocular malignancy. We developed a model to study the role of RB1 in early development and tumor formation by generating RB1-null hESCs using CRISPR/Cas9. RB1^−/− hESCs initiated extremely large teratomas, with neural expansions similar to those of trilateral retinoblastoma tumors, in which retinoblastoma is accompanied by intracranial neural tumors. Teratoma analysis further revealed a role for the transcription factor ZEB1 in RB1-mediated ectoderm differentiation. Furthermore, RB1^−/− cells displayed mitochondrial dysfunction similar to poorly differentiated retinoblastomas. Screening more than 100 chemotherapies revealed an RB1^–/–-specific cell sensitivity to carboplatin, exploiting their mitochondrial dysfunction. Together, our work provides a human pluripotent cell model for retinoblastoma and sheds light on developmental and tumorigenic roles of RB1.

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RB1-null hESCs were generated using CRISPR/Cas9

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RB1^−/− hESCs generate large, neural-enriched teratomas, possibly by ZEB1 activation

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RB1 inactivation triggers aberrant mitochondrial abundance and function

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Unbiased drug screening found that carboplatin specifically targets RB1-null cells

Retinoblastoma: achieving new standards with methods of chemotherapy

The management of retinoblastoma (RB) has dramatically changed over the past two decades from previous radiotherapy methods to current chemotherapy strategies. RB is a remarkably chemotherapy-sensitive tumor. Chemotherapy is currently used as a first-line approach for children with this malignancy and can be delivered by intravenous, intra-arterial, periocular, and intravitreal routes. The choice of route for chemotherapy administration depends upon the tumor laterality and tumor staging. Intravenous chemotherapy (IVC) is used most often in bilateral cases, orbital RB, and as an adjuvant treatment in high-risk RB. Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is used in cases with group C or D RB and selected cases of group E tumor. Periocular chemotherapy is used as an adjunct treatment in eyes with group D and E RB and those with persistent/recurrent vitreous seeds. Intravitreal chemotherapy is reserved for eyes with persistent/recurrent vitreous seeds. In this review, we describe the various forms of chemotherapy used in the management of RB. A database search was performed on PubMed, using the terms “RB,” and “treatment,” “chemotherapy,” “systemic chemotherapy,” “IVC,” “IAC,” “periocular chemotherapy,” or “intravitreal chemotherapy.” Relevant English language articles were extracted, reviewed, and referenced appropriately.

Extra-ocular retinoblastoma: about 12 cases followed at the Mohamed VI university hospital of Marrakech

Retinoblastoma is the most frequent childhood intraocular tumor. The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical features and management of extra-ocular retinoblastoma in the Mohamed VI university hospital of Marrakech. Retrospective case series, the patient's records were reviewed for patient and tumor features, ocular management, histopathological findings, and patient survival. Over a period of three years, 35 eyes were diagnosed with retinoblastoma; 12 children (16 eyes) (46%) had extra-ocular retinoblastoma. Mean age was 27 months, 60% were males. Six cases had unilateral tumor, five bilateral and one case of trilateral retinoblastoma. There was no positive family history, proptosis was the mean mode of presentation (41,6%) followed by staphyloma (25%) orbital cellulitis (25%) and hyphema(8,3%). The median lag period was 18 months. On imaging and histopathological analysis, there was extrascleral involvement in 41.6%, involvement of orbital part of optic nerve (75%), of orbital muscles (50%) and eyelids in 16.6%. the surgical treatment included according to the degree of extension enucleation (75%) or exenteration (25%) associated to chemotherapy in all cases and one case of external beam radiation. There were 2 cases of orbital recurrence, one death and no metastases at 30 months follow-up.Orbital retinoblastoma still stands as a tall challenge requiring multi-modal and multi-disciplinary approach. Although the survival has increased over the last few years, lack of access to medical facilities, lack of education about the need for early medical attention and cultural resistance to enucleation continue to contribute to an epidemic of extra ocular disease at diagnosis in the developing world.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy of childhood. It typically presents with leukocoria or strabismus. In later stages of the disease, the child may exhibit proptosis, buphthalmos, or hypopyon. The pathognomonic molecular aberration is a loss of function mutation in the RB1 gene on chromosome 13q. The degree of tumor involvement within the eye is defined by its group. Grouping was historically done with Reese-Ellsworth System. Recent therapeutic advances have led to the development of a new grouping system, the International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB). In cases of extraocular extension and metastatic disease, the degree of tumor involvement outside of the eye is defined by its stage. Retinoblastoma is staged using the International Retinoblastoma Staging System (IRSS). Children with intraocular retinoblastoma have an excellent overall and ocular survival. In order to avoid the morbidity of enucleation and external beam radiation, treatments for isolated intraocular retinoblastoma have progressively moved toward targeted local modalities. Patients with extraocular involvement, such as those with trilateral retinoblastoma, have a poorer prognosis. The majority of these higher stage patients are now able to be cured with combination chemotherapy.

Trilateral retinoblastoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

About 5% of children with retinoblastoma from germline mutation of the RB1 gene are at risk of developing trilateral retinoblastoma--intraocular retinoblastoma combined with a histologically similar brain tumour, most commonly in the pineal gland. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of published data for trilateral retinoblastoma, and to analyse how survival has changed.

METHODS

We searched Medline and Embase for scientific literature published between Jan 1, 1966, and April 14, 2014, that assessed trilateral retinoblastoma cases. We undertook a meta-analysis of survival with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression, stratified on the basis of the original study, to account for between-study heterogeneity.

FINDINGS

We included 90 studies, with 174 patients with trilateral retinoblastoma. 5-year survival after pineal trilateral retinoblastoma increased from 6% (95% CI 2-15) in patients diagnosed before 1995, to 44% (26-61; p<0·0001) in those diagnosed from 1995 onwards. Before 1995, no patients with non-pineal trilateral retinoblastoma survived, but from 1995 onwards, 5-year survival was 57% (30-77; p=0·035). Hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for the presence of leptomeningeal metastases and trilateral retinoblastoma location, suggested that both conventional (HR 0·059, 95% CI 0·016-0·226; p<0·0001) and high-dose chemotherapy with stem-cell rescue (0·013, 0·002-0·064; p<0·0001) most strongly contributed to this improvement. Absence of leptomeningeal metastases (HR 2·13, 95% CI 0·98-4·60; p=0·055) were associated with improved survival. Non-pineal trilateral retinoblastomas were larger than pineal tumours (median 30 mm [range 6-100] vs 22 mm [7-60]; p=0·012), but both had similar outcomes since 1995.

INTERPRETATION

Our results suggest that improvements in overall survival are attributable to improved chemotherapy regimens and early detection of pineal trilateral retinoblastoma. As such, successful treatment of trilateral retinoblastoma should include screening at least at the time of retinoblastoma diagnosis and chemotherapy, which would preferably be a high-dose regimen with autologous stem-cell rescue.

FUNDING

None.

High-resolution MR imaging of the orbit in patients with retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular childhood malignancy, with a prevalence of one in 18,000 children younger than 5 years old in the United States. In 80% of patients, retinoblastoma is diagnosed before the age of three, and in 95% of patients, retinoblastoma is diagnosed before the age of five. Although reports exist of retinoblastoma in adults, onset beyond 6 years of age is rare. Broadly, retinoblastoma may be classified into two groups: sporadic and heritable. In either case, the origin of the tumor is a biallelic mutation in primitive neuroepithelial cells. Although their details vary, several staging schemes are used to describe the extent of retinoblastoma according to the following four general criteria: intraocular location, extraocular (extraorbital) location, central nervous system disease, and systemic metastases. In the past decade, substantial changes have taken place in terms of staging and monitoring treatment in patients with retinoblastoma. Diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma involve a multidisciplinary approach, for which imaging is a vital component. Increasing awareness and concerns about the effects of radiation in patients with retinoblastoma have led to a shift away from external-beam radiation therapy and toward chemotherapy and locoregional treatment, as well as the establishment of magnetic resonance imaging as the most important imaging modality for diagnosis, staging, and treatment monitoring.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation in the management of retinoblastoma: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In recent years, there has been an increasing role for stem cell transplantation in the management of retinoblastoma. The aim of this study was to systematically review the role high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation in the treatment of patients with metastatic or relapsed, trilateral or bilateral advanced retinoblastoma, and in patients with tumor at the surgical margin of the optic nerve and/or extrascleral extension.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review.

METHODS

We performed an extensive PubMed database search on 25 February 2012 for studies describing the use of high-dose chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation in the management of patients with retinoblastoma.

RESULTS

We located 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria and that included 101 patients. Following treatment for metastatic and relapsed disease, 44 of 77 patients (57.1%) were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of follow-up. However, a higher rate of local relapse developed in patients with CNS metastases (73.1%), which dropped to 47.1% in patients who received thiotepa. In patients with trilateral or bilateral advanced retinoblastoma, 5 of 7 (71.4%) with reported outcome data were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of follow-up. In patients with tumor at the surgical margin of the optic nerve and/or extrascleral extension, 6 of 7 patients (85.7%) were alive with no evidence of disease at the time of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Durable tumor control is possible in patients with non-CNS metastases, trilateral or bilateral advanced retinoblastoma, and in patients with tumor at the surgical margin of the optic nerve and/or extrascleral extension. Patients with CNS metastases require thiotepa to improve tumor control.

Trilateral retinoblastoma: neuroimaging characteristics and value of routine brain screening on admission

Trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) is a rare disease associating intraocular retinoblastoma with intracranial primitive neuroectodermal tumor. Treatment is difficult and prognosis is poor. This multicenter study evaluates clinical findings and MR imaging characteristics of associated intracranial tumors in Rb patients. Clinical data of 17 patients (16 TRb and 1 quadrilateral Rb patients) included time intervals between Rb and TRb diagnosis and presence of baseline brain-imaging (BBI). Two reviewers reviewed all images individually and one reviewer per center evaluated their images. Consensus was reached during a joint scoring session. Studies were reviewed for tumor location, size and imaging characteristics (signal intensity (SI) on T1- and T2-weighted images, enhancement pattern and cystic appearance). Of 18 intracranial tumors, 78 % were located in the pineal gland and 22 % suprasellar. All tumors showed well-defined borders with mostly heterogenous enhancement (72 %) and isointense SI on T1- (78 %) and T2-weighted images (72 %) compared to gray matter. The majority of pineal TRbs showed a cystic component (57 %). TRb detected synchronously with the intraocular tumors on BBI (n = 7) were significantly smaller (P = 0.02), and mainly asymptomatic than TRb detected later on (n = 10). Overall, 5-year-survival of TRb patients detected on BBI was 67 % (95 % CI 29–100 %) compared to 11 % (95 % CI 0–32 %) for the group with delayed diagnosis. TRb mainly develops in the pineal gland and frequently presents with a cystic appearance that could be misinterpreted as benign pineal cysts. Routine BBI in all newly diagnosed Rb patients can detect TRb at a subclinical stage.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is an aggressive eye cancer of infancy and childhood. Survival and the chance of saving vision depend on severity of disease at presentation. Retinoblastoma was the first tumour to draw attention to the genetic aetiology of cancer. Despite good understanding of its aetiology, mortality from retinoblastoma is about 70% in countries of low and middle income, where most affected children live. Poor public and medical awareness, and an absence of rigorous clinical trials to assess innovative treatments impede progress. Worldwide, most of the estimated 9000 newly diagnosed patients every year will die. However, global digital communications present opportunities to optimise standards of care for children and families affected by this rare and often devastating cancer. Parents are now leading the effort for widespread awareness of the danger of leucocoria. Genome-level technologies could make genetic testing a reality for every family affected by retinoblastoma. Best-practice guidelines, online sharing of pathological images, point-of-care data entry, multidisciplinary research, and clinical trials can reduce mortality. Most importantly, active participation of survivors and families will ensure that the whole wellbeing of the child is prioritised in any treatment plan.

Guidelines for imaging retinoblastoma: imaging principles and MRI standardization

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular tumor in children. The diagnosis is usually established by the ophthalmologist on the basis of fundoscopy and US. Together with US, high-resolution MRI has emerged as an important imaging modality for pretreatment assessment, i.e. for diagnostic confirmation, detection of local tumor extent, detection of associated developmental malformation of the brain and detection of associated intracranial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (trilateral retinoblastoma). Minimum requirements for pretreatment diagnostic evaluation of retinoblastoma or mimicking lesions are presented, based on consensus among members of the European Retinoblastoma Imaging Collaboration (ERIC). The most appropriate techniques for imaging in a child with leukocoria are reviewed. CT is no longer recommended. Implementation of a standardized MRI protocol for retinoblastoma in clinical practice may benefit children worldwide, especially those with hereditary retinoblastoma, since a decreased use of CT reduces the exposure to ionizing radiation.

High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous and allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for recurrent disseminated trilateral retinoblastoma

INTRODUCTION

Trilateral retinoblastoma (TRb) is an intracranial neurogenic tumor associated with unilateral or bilateral retinoblastoma and has very poor prognosis. Patients typically die from leptomeningeal tumor dissemination.

CASE REPORT

A 3-year-old girl who had been diagnosed with TRb had a disseminated relapse after a tumorectomy, cerebrospinal irradiation, and conventional chemotherapy. The disseminated tumor disappeared after the first autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) with high-dose melphalan and thiotepa. During the second complete remission, a second autologous PBSCT with high-dose busulfan and melphalan was performed. Seven months after the first PBSCT, the second relapse occurred, and we subsequently performed an allogeneic PBSCT with myeloablative chemotherapy consisting of melphalan, thiotepa, and cyclophosphamide. The patient showed clinical improvement after the allogeneic PBSCT.

CONCLUSION

Although high-dose chemotherapies have a curative effect for some patients with TRb, the prognoses of disseminated tumors are still poor. Further examination of the high-dose chemotherapy is necessary for the time, the conditioning drugs, and the hematopoietic stem cell sources.

Successful treatment of trilateral retinoblastoma with conventional and high-dose chemotherapy plus radiotherapy: a case report

Trilateral retinoblastoma (TRB) is a rare condition characterized by an intracranial neuroblastic tumor associated with bilateral or unilateral retinoblastoma (RB). The outcome is almost always fatal. An 18-month-old patient with familial bilateral RB was referred for a pineal lesion detected on a screening by magnetic resonance imaging. The child, considered inoperable by 2 different neurosurgical teams, was treated with conventional chemotherapy (methotrexate, vincristine, vepeside, cyclophosphamide, and carboplatin) plus tandem transplantation (vepeside/carboplatin and thiotepa/mephalan) followed by local radiotherapy. At 80 months from the diagnosis of TRB, the patient is alive and in complete remission, with no neuropsychologic consequences. An early and aggressive treatment may improve the prognosis of TRB.

Successful treatment of early detected trilateral retinoblastoma using standard infant brain tumor therapy

Trilateral retinoblastoma is characterized by the presence of retinoblastoma with an intracranial tumor. The incidence is low and prognosis poor. Due to the paucity of information regarding successful treatment, we report the case of a 6 month old female referred for leukocoria and found to have an associated suprasellar tumor and pineal enhancement. The patient, treated with standard infant brain tumor therapy, remains alive without signs of active disease 35 months after diagnosis; no surgery or irradiation was used. Early diagnosis of trilateral retinoblastoma may facilitate the use of less intensive therapeutic approaches and result in excellent outcomes in these patients.

Intensive multimodality therapy for patients with stage 4a metastatic retinoblastoma

BACKGROUND

We previously reported promising pilot results treating patients with stage 4a metastatic retinoblastoma with combined intensive conventional chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue, and radiation therapy and now present an expanded and updated series.

PROCEDURE

Fifteen patients with bone marrow (n = 14), bone (n = 10), orbit (n = 9), and/or liver (n = 4) disease were treated. Induction chemotherapy usually consisted of vincristine, cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, and etoposide. The high-dose chemotherapy regimen included carboplatin and thiotepa alone (n = 1) or with etoposide (n = 5) or topotecan (n = 7).

RESULTS

Bone marrow cleared at first post-initiation of chemotherapy examination in all patients and stem cells were harvested after a median of 3.5 cycles of chemotherapy (range 3-6 cycles). Two patients progressed prior to high-dose chemotherapy and died. Thirteen received high-dose chemotherapy at a median of 6 months post-diagnosis of metastases (range 4-8 months). Ten are retinoblastoma-free in first remission at a median follow-up of 103 months (range 34-202 months) while three recurred (two in the CNS, one in the mandible) 14-20 months post-diagnosis of metastases. Retinoblastoma-free and event-free survival at 5 years are 67% (95% confidence interval 38-85%) and 59% (95% confidence interval 31-79%). Six of the 10 survivors received radiation therapy. Three patients developed secondary osteosarcoma 14, 4, and 9 years after diagnosis of metastatic disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Intensive multimodality therapy including high-dose chemotherapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell rescue was curative for the majority of patients with stage 4a metastatic retinoblastoma treated. The contribution of external beam radiation therapy is unclear.