[The possibilities for organ-preserving treatment in retinoblastoma in children].

: One-hundred pediatric patients with uni- and bilateral retinoblastoma (140 tumors on the whole) received a combination of radio- and chemotherapy. Radiation was delivered by gamma-ray units and an electron accelerator. The single and total focal doses used were 1.5-2.0 Gy and 40-55 Gy, respectively, depending on tumor stage. Simultaneously, chemotherapy with vincristine, cyclophosphamide and adriamycin were given intravenously in standard doses. As a result, 85 out of 95 (89.5%) children including 43 cases of bilateral tumor are alive. Partial response or no change were registered in 72 tumors (51.4%). Progression was observed in 28 tumors (20%) at the average of 6-8 months following the start of treatment. Forty tumors (28.6%) responded completely, with remissions lasting for a follow-up period of 2-6 years. Not a single case of organ-sparing surgery developed distant metastases. To summarize, a combined treatment modality for retinoblastoma according to TNM stage was developed and indications for organ-sparing surgery outlined. The standard treatment modality for bilateral retinoblastoma was revised.