The Paradigm of Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Association with Different Adjuvant Treatments for Retinoblastoma: A Systematic Review of Literature

Abstract

The treatment of retinoblastoma, the most common malignant eye tumour in children, has considerably evolved with the combination of chemotherapy and adjuvant treatments. This study conducted a systematic literature review to analyse the effectiveness of chemotherapy associated with different adjuvant therapies, such as thermotherapy, cryotherapy, and immunotherapy, in controlling retinoblastoma. Through a comprehensive search strategy in electronic databases, relevant studies published to date were identified and selected. The inclusion criteria were rigorously applied to ensure the relevance of the selected articles. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the extracted data revealed patterns and trends regarding the effectiveness of these therapeutic combinations. The results indicated that integrating chemotherapy with adjuvant treatments significantly improved clinical outcomes, promoting better vision preservation and reducing recurrence rates. However, variability in treatment response and the need for an individualised approach were highlighted as fundamental factors for therapeutic success. This systematic review reinforced the importance of a multimodal approach and continuous research to improve therapeutic strategies in the treatment of retinoblastoma, pointing to the need for future investigations that can consolidate and innovate clinical practices in this field.