Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma
Mature clinical use · Eye-preservation programs
Typical Duration
3–4 cycles · 2–3 weeks each
Estimated Cost
Est. USD 6,000–10,000 per cycle
Per-cycle pricing including the interventional procedure, anesthesia and 2–3 days of observation. Total depends on cycle count (typically 3–4).
Why China
Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma
Save the eye, not just the life
Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) delivers drug directly to the eye through a microcatheter — achieving >90% eye preservation for intraocular disease at major Chinese centers.
A joint oncology + interventional platform
Pediatric oncologists and interventional neuroradiologists operate together — a pairing available in only a handful of centers worldwide.
High-volume experience
China's flagship program has treated 500+ eyes and follows a 1,500-strong survivor cohort, giving families outcome data few centers can offer.
A complete vision pathway
Laser, cryotherapy and intravitreal chemotherapy for advanced eyes, plus vision rehabilitation and long-term follow-up under one roof.
Quick Overview
Care Journey
Case Review
Submit your records and imaging; receive a written expert assessment and preliminary plan within 48 hours.
Plan & Estimate
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) defines your child's individualized plan with a transparent cost estimate.
Travel Preparation
We assist with medical visas, flights and accommodation, and assign a professional medical interpreter.
In-Hospital Care
A dedicated coordinator accompanies your family through examinations and treatment, bridging all communication.
Recovery & Follow-up
Remote follow-up after you return home, with review schedules and medication guidance.
Long-term Management
Stay connected with your child's treating team, with fast-track return visits whenever needed.
Medical Team
Hospitals
Specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child's eye really be saved?+
For intraocular (non-spread) retinoblastoma, major Chinese centers preserve the eye in over 90% of cases using superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy combined with focal therapy. An exam under anesthesia and MRI staging determine candidacy.
What does a treatment cycle involve?+
Under general anesthesia, a microcatheter is guided from the groin to the ophthalmic artery and chemotherapy (e.g., melphalan/topotecan) is delivered directly to the eye in under an hour. Children typically stay 2–3 days and go home between cycles.
How many cycles are needed?+
Most children need 3–4 cycles spaced 3–4 weeks apart, with an exam under anesthesia before each to measure response. Some families complete cycles across two trips; we help plan the schedule.
What are the risks?+
Because the drug is delivered locally, systemic side effects (hair loss, marrow suppression) are minimal compared with IV chemotherapy. Procedure risks include temporary eyelid swelling or reduced blood flow to the retina — your team will discuss eye-specific risks.
What if the disease has both eyes involved?+
Bilateral disease is common in heritable retinoblastoma. Centers stage treatment to preserve at least one seeing eye, often treating both eyes in alternating cycles. The MDT proposes an individualized plan after examination.
Detailed Information
How intra-arterial chemotherapy works
- A microcatheter thinner than a spaghetti strand is advanced to the ophthalmic artery under imaging guidance.
- Chemotherapy is infused directly into the eye's blood supply — drug concentration is many times higher than IV delivery, with minimal body-wide exposure.
- Combined with focal laser, cryotherapy or intravitreal injection for seeds and advanced eyes.
Candidate assessment
- Exam under anesthesia (EUA) with RetCam imaging to stage each eye (IIRC grouping).
- Orbital & brain MRI to exclude extraocular spread or pineal involvement.
- Genetic counseling and RB1 testing for heritable disease and family screening.
Course & timeline
- Cycle day 1: EUA + IAC procedure under anesthesia (about 1 hour).
- Days 2–3: observation, eye drops and discharge with written care instructions.
- Repeat every 3–4 weeks for 3–4 cycles; EUA before each cycle guides the plan.
Outcomes & follow-up
- >90% eye preservation for intraocular disease at the flagship program; vision rehabilitation begins after tumor control.
- Lifelong surveillance for recurrence and (in heritable cases) second cancers, coordinated remotely with home ophthalmologists.
