How is retinoblastoma treated?

Treatment depends on the type, stage, location and size of the tumor, and may include:

  • Chemotherapy using medicine that goes through the body to kill cancer cells wherever they are.
  • Radiation therapy, possibly including proton therapy, which delivers high doses of radiation to control and manage cancer while reducing damage to healthy tissue and vital organs. Miami Cancer Institute was among the first centers in the United States to offer proton therapy, which is much safer for children.
  • Laser therapy or photocoagulation.
  • Thermal therapy, in which cancerous areas are exposed to high temperatures to kill cancer cells.
  • Cryotherapy, or using a freezing process to destroy the tumor.
  • Enucleation, or removal of the eye or eyes involved.

Because treatment can be confusing and stressful for children, our child life specialists are on hand to answer questions and help ease anxiety.

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials

Miami Cancer Institute can provide access to clinical trials not widely available elsewhere. Clinical trials find new ways to treat and diagnose cancer and are ongoing. If an appropriate trial is available, we will talk to you about the benefits and risks.

Tumor Board

Tumor Board

A multidisciplinary team of cancer experts including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic reconstructive surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, genetic counselors, medical geneticists, social workers, patient navigators and clinical trials staff meet weekly to discuss select complex cases and determine the best course of care. Bone Marrow Transplant experts and hematologic oncology experts are also available to discuss complex cases.

Pediatric Support Services

Pediatric Support Services

Our Pediatric Support Center team addresses your child’s social and emotional needs. They also support the whole family, including siblings. We provide a compassionate environment, engaging activities and a range of complementary therapies. Our goal is to make sure your child remains psychologically healthy during treatment and beyond.

Pediatric Infusionarium

Pediatric Infusionarium

Cancer treatment can be scary. Distractions can help kids tolerate their therapy better. That’s why Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute created the Pediatric Infusionarium. It’s a space that uses virtual reality and live feeds to connect kids to technological experiences during treatments, easing the effects of chemotherapy.

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