In the management of retinoblastoma, what is the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy?

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy plays a key role in the management of retinoblastoma primarily by reducing the risk of complications associated with subsequent treatments, particularly external beam radiation therapy. This pre-surgical treatment aims to shrink tumors, making them more manageable for surgical removal.

Chemotherapy targets actively dividing cancer cells and can effectively decrease tumor size and burden, which minimizes the amount of radiation needed to achieve control or cure of the disease. By reducing the tumor size before surgical intervention, the risk of damage to the surrounding healthy tissue during radiation therapy is significantly lowered. This is especially significant in pediatric patients, where preserving as much healthy tissue as possible is critical to avoid long-term complications and maintain vision.

In this context, reducing complications means decreasing potential side effects related to radiation exposure, such as secondary malignancies or damage to surrounding anatomical structures. Therefore, this proactive approach enhances the overall treatment outcome and quality of life for patients with retinoblastoma.