Retinoblastoma Program

Retinoblastoma is an eye cancer that occurs in the retina, which is the sensitive lining on the inside of the eye. The rare condition most commonly affects infants and small children, seldom occurring in adults. According to the American Cancer Society, about 300-350 children are diagnosed with retinoblastoma each year throughout the U.S., and while most children survive retinoblastoma, they may lose their vision in the affected eye(s) or may need to have the eye(s) removed.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta offers a full range of treatment options for children with retinoblastoma. We will create a treatment plan just for your child, as treatment approaches can vary. Our team works closely with each family to determine the best course of action. A child with retinoblastoma may undergo any one of the following treatments or a combination of them.

Treatment options include:

• Enucleation: Surgical removal of the eye(s) involved with the tumor (when the eye(s) cannot be saved).
• Conservative ocular salvage approaches: Methods that allow the eye(s) and vision to be saved if possible.
• Laser therapy or photocoagulation: Use of a laser beam to destroy damaging or abnormal structures in the eye.
• Thermotherapy: Use of a laser to heat and kill the tumor cells.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing process to destroy the tumor.
• Surgery: Removing all or part of the tumor.
• Radiation therapy: High-energy rays that are used to kill or damage cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy (chemo): Use of certain medications to treat cancer.
• Prosthesis: Fitting of an eye prosthesis and training.
• Adaptation training: For patients with blindness or decreased vision.
• Supportive care: For the side effects of treatment.
• Antibiotics: For preventing or treating infection.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center cares for more kids with cancer than anyone else in the Southeast, treating more than 500 newly diagnosed patients each year. We are home to one of the leading childhood cancer programs in the country, including nationally recognized experts in pediatric oncology and ophthalmology. We offer some of the most promising new cancer treatments for children who have relapsed or who have difficult-to-treat cancers through our Developmental Therapeutics Program. Combining the latest proven technology and research with a caring, child-friendly approach makes the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center a top choice for treating retinoblastoma.

The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center is committed to excellence and innovation in pediatric cancer and blood disorders research. As Georgia’s top pediatric cancer research center, we are home to one of the largest clinical trial programs in the country, through which we offer our patients access to novel childhood cancer and blood disorders treatment options. Clinical trials are helping researchers discover key answers in care that could lead to cures. When you join a clinical trial at Children’s, we are here to guide you and answer any questions you have.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis for your child can be an emotional and overwhelming experience. At the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, we are here to support you and your family. Whether treating a toddler during an emergency or helping a teen through chemotherapy treatments, we make it our mission to provide the best care—and best experience—for every child. Family is a big part of your child’s well-being. Not only are you a vital member of your child’s healthcare team, you are a source of security and comfort.