KFSH Preserves Eye in 84% of Children with Retinoblastoma

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by preserving the eye in 84% of children with retinoblastoma, a common childhood eye cancer, while maintaining a 100% overall survival rate during the follow-up period. This success stems from KFSH’s specialized Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy (IAC) program, the only one of its kind in Saudi Arabia, which delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, minimizing systemic side effects and the need for eye removal.

Context and Background

Retinoblastoma is a rare but serious eye cancer that primarily affects young children, often before the age of five. Early diagnosis is critical, as it broadens treatment options, improves tumor control, and reduces the risk of vision loss or metastasis. In Saudi Arabia, the incidence of retinoblastoma is comparable to global rates, and specialized care is essential for optimal outcomes. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 12th globally among top academic medical centers for 2026, has been at the forefront of pediatric oncology. Its collaboration with King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KKESH) ensures a comprehensive care pathway for children with retinoblastoma.

Key Details

The Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy program at KFSH involves a multidisciplinary team of interventional radiology consultants who guide a micro-catheter through the child’s complex blood vessels to reach the ophthalmic artery, delivering chemotherapy precisely to the tumor. This technique, performed under the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology within the Pediatrics & Women’s Centre of Excellence, has recorded a 93% success rate in procedure completion. KKESH plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis, referral, and public awareness, training physicians to recognize the disease early. This coordination combines advanced expertise in pediatric oncology and interventional radiology at KFSH with specialized ophthalmology at KKESH, offering children access to cutting-edge treatment that aims to control the tumor and preserve the eye and vision whenever possible.

Implications and Impact

This achievement underscores the value of national collaboration in strengthening pediatric ocular oncology services across Saudi Arabia. By preserving the eye in 84% of cases, KFSH not only improves quality of life for young patients but also reduces the psychological and physical burden associated with eye removal. The program’s success demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s capacity to deliver world-class healthcare and serves as a model for regional and international institutions. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of early detection and specialized care in managing childhood cancers, potentially influencing treatment protocols globally.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This milestone aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of enhancing healthcare quality and accessibility, fostering innovation, and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in medical research and treatment. By investing in specialized programs like IAC, Saudi Arabia is not only improving patient outcomes but also contributing to the global fight against childhood cancer, reinforcing its commitment to a healthier and more prosperous future.

20 Questions

Q1. What is retinoblastoma?

A1. Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that primarily affects young children, often before age five. It develops in the retina and can be life-threatening if not treated early.

Q2. How successful is KFSH’s Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy program?

A2. The program has achieved an 84% eye preservation rate and a 100% overall survival rate during the follow-up period for children with retinoblastoma, marking a significant advancement in pediatric oncology.

Q3. What makes Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy different from traditional chemotherapy?

A3. IAC delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor via a micro-catheter, minimizing exposure to the rest of the body and reducing side effects, unlike traditional systemic chemotherapy.

Q4. Why is early diagnosis of retinoblastoma important?

A4. Early diagnosis broadens treatment options, improves tumor control, and reduces the risk of vision loss or metastasis, allowing for more effective and less invasive interventions.

Q5. Which institutions collaborate in this program?

A5. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) and King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KKESH) collaborate through a care pathway for retinoblastoma treatment.

Q6. What role does KKESH play in this collaboration?

A6. KKESH focuses on early diagnosis, referral of cases, public awareness, and training physicians to recognize retinoblastoma early, ensuring timely treatment.

Q7. How is the IAC procedure performed?

A7. Interventional radiology consultants guide a micro-catheter through the child’s blood vessels to the ophthalmic artery, delivering chemotherapy precisely to the tumor while limiting vascular complications.

Q8. What is the success rate of the IAC procedure itself?

A8. The program recorded a 93% success rate in performing the procedure, indicating high technical proficiency and safety.

Q9. What are the benefits of preserving the eye in retinoblastoma treatment?

A9. Preserving the eye maintains vision and cosmetic appearance, reducing psychological trauma and improving the child’s quality of life compared to eye removal.

Q10. Is this program available elsewhere in Saudi Arabia?

A10. No, this is the only program of its kind in Saudi Arabia, highlighting KFSH’s leadership in advanced pediatric oncology care.

Q11. How does KFSH rank globally among medical centers?

A11. KFSH is ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for 2026.

Q12. What recognition has KFSH received recently?

A12. KFSH was recognized as the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom and the Middle East for 2026 by Brand Finance, and listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals.

Q13. How does this achievement align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It supports Vision 2030’s healthcare goals by enhancing specialized care, fostering innovation, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in medical excellence.

Q14. What is the overall survival rate for children in this program?

A14. The overall survival rate reached 100% during the follow-up period, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in saving lives.

Q15. What are the side effects of traditional chemotherapy for retinoblastoma?

A15. Traditional chemotherapy can cause systemic side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and increased infection risk. IAC reduces these by targeting the tumor directly.

Q16. How does KKESH contribute to public awareness?

A16. KKESH raises awareness about retinoblastoma symptoms and the importance of early detection, and trains physicians from other specialties to recognize the disease early.

Q17. What age group is most affected by retinoblastoma?

A17. Retinoblastoma primarily affects children under five years old, with most cases diagnosed in the first two years of life.

Q18. Can retinoblastoma be cured?

A18. Yes, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, retinoblastoma has high cure rates, especially when the tumor is confined to the eye.

Q19. What is the Pediatrics & Women’s Centre of Excellence?

A19. It is a specialized center within KFSH that houses the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, providing comprehensive care for children with cancer.

Q20. How does this program impact pediatric ocular oncology in Saudi Arabia?

A20. It strengthens services, improves outcomes, and sets a benchmark for multidisciplinary care, potentially influencing treatment protocols across the region.

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