Retinoblastoma

UT Southwestern’s ocular oncology team has extensive training and experience in diagnosing and treating retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer that most commonly affects young children.

We provide individualized care using the latest technology to successfully treat retinoblastoma while preserving the eye and vision whenever possible.

UT Southwestern and Children’s Medical Center Dallas have created the only joint retinoblastoma program in North Texas that offers intra-arterial chemotherapy for children with retinoblastoma. Our ocular oncology team applies the latest diagnostic and therapeutic tools and a multidisciplinary approach to treating this serious disease.

Expert Care for Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that begins in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue lining the inside of the eye. This cancer most commonly affects children under the age of 2. It is rare to see cases in children over age 5.

When it is promptly diagnosed and treated, retinoblastoma is often curable. However, if it is not caught early, this eye cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.

UT Southwestern’s ocular oncology team works closely with other specialists to provide the highest-quality diagnosis and treatment services to our patients. We bring together the expertise of ophthalmology, pediatric oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, radiology, radiation oncology, and clinical genetics.

We are members of the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, and we deliver the best care available while pushing to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in clinical research, often providing access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.

Services We Provide for Retinoblastoma Patients

At UT Southwestern, patients with retinoblastoma receive:

• Care from highly experienced retinoblastoma experts
• Advanced diagnostic techniques for accurate staging of retinoblastoma
• Individualized treatment plans that use the latest advances in chemotherapy, laser therapy, and other techniques
• Support services, such as genetic counseling, social work, nutrition, and rehabilitation, to improve quality of life