Intra-arterial chemotherapy
Intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) is a method of delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to the eye rather than around the whole body with systemic chemotherapy.
The child has a general anaesthetic for this treatment. The procedure involves passing a tiny catheter (plastic tube) through the femoral artery (the artery in the groin), all the way up until it is in the ophthalmic artery (the artery in the eye).
Once the catheter is in place the chemotherapy drug is administered via the tube and is able to work directly on the tumour/s in the eye. The treatment takes about two hours.
Once the chemotherapy is given the catheter is removed and the site compressed to stop any bleeding. Most children are given three courses of intra-arterial chemotherapy which can be repeated at a later stage if needed.
Side effects
As the chemotherapy is administered directly to the eye and not to the whole body this method usually avoids the side effects of sickness, nausea, hair loss and suppression of the immune system which are normally associated with chemotherapy.
Side effects of IAC may include:
- Swelling around the eye.
- Flushing of the skin around the eye and forehead.
- Droopiness of the eyelid.
- Minor drop in blood count.
- Reduction in vision in the treated eye which may be temporary or, in some cases, permanent.
Our IAC leaflet shares families’ experiences of the treatment and their tips for other families.
If you have any queries or concerns about your child’s treatment, contact your Retinoblastoma Team at either Birmingham Women’s & Children’s Hospital or the Royal London Hospital.