r photographs using specialized equipment would be taken. Ultrasound would be used afterwards to determine the thickness and height if a tumor was found. Finally, a CAT scan is used to determine if the tumor is inside the eye or outside of their brain (Ambramson, Ch6). Once this is completed, the process of treatment would begin.Treatment methods include enucleation, external beam radiation, and chemo reduction. Enucleation, the most common process, is simply the removal of the eye. It is the easiest way to rid of the entire cancerous tumor safely while the child is asleep. Other methods are possible but are quite dangerous and can result in other cancers. Once the socket heals up, about three weeks later, a false eye is put into place. If both eyes need treatment, the worst of the eyes is removed while the other will be salvaged as much as possible. Because retinoblastoma is sensitive to radiation, a series of treatments over a period of four or five weeks is given. This reduces the size of the tumor in most cases and preserves eyesight. Chemotherapy is another way of reducing the size of the cancer by using chemotherapy for several weeks. Occasional treatments may be required afterwards about every three weeks to re-examine the eye. (Ambramson, Ch8) Oddly, Retinoblastoma protein activation of interleukin 8 expressions inhibits tumor cell survival in nude mice (Zhang H. PubMed). Could this be used in the future in humans? Only time can tell!Even though this eye cancer does not occur as often as some other diseases, it can be devastating for a child to lose their eyesight in one, or even two eyes. Someday, there will be a cure for retinoblastoma, as well as other chromosomal mutations. At least, the prognosis of children resulting of retinoblastoma is a full life with a prosthetic eye or reduced vision. Some may receive second tumors, cataracts, or possibly other diseases, but they can still live and enjoy their lives (...
