Periocular topotecan for intraocular retinoblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: To review the effectiveness and toxicity of periocular topotecan hydrochloride in fibrin sealant (Tisseel) for the control of intraocular retinoblastoma.
METHODS: Retrospective medical record review of visually threatening or recurrent intraocular retinoblastoma treated with periocular topotecan.
RESULTS: Eight children (10 eyes) received 1 to 4 injections of periocular topotecan in fibrin sealant, without or with concomitant laser and/or single freeze-thaw prechemotherapy cryotherapy. Median dose was 0.18 mg/kg (3.72 mg/m(2)). The 6 children who responded to treatment had small discrete tumors (8 International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification group A or B eyes). Of these, prior primary treatment for 3 children (3 eyes) was laser; for 1 child (2 eyes), systemic chemotherapy with focal laser; and for 2 children (3 eyes), periocular topotecan. In 4 children (4 eyes), tumor regression was sufficient for effective focal therapy, but in 2 children (4 eyes), long-term control required systemic chemotherapy. The 2 children who did not respond each had an International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification group D eye treated primarily with systemic chemotherapy, focal laser, and cryotherapy and recurrent disease that was not controlled by periocular topotecan; both eyes were eventually enucleated. No ocular and minimal hematological toxic effects were observed. At 11 months' median follow-up after topotecan treatment (18 months since diagnosis), all 8 group A and B eyes were retained with ongoing focal therapy required in only 1 group B eye; the 2 group D eyes were enucleated.
CONCLUSION: Periocular topotecan in fibrin sealant can achieve volume reduction of small and recurrent retinoblastoma sufficient to allow successful focal therapy.