Abstract
Purpose: :
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of etoposide, as a single agent, in a transgenic murine model of retinoblastoma. Etoposide is routinely used as part of the combination chemotherapy given to children with retinoblastoma. Etoposide is associated with several adverse effects, including increasing the risk of acute myelocytic leukemia.
Methods: :
LHß-TAg transgenic mice received either etoposide (20 mg/kg) or vehicle via single intraperitoneal injection three days a week for three weeks. The mice were then sacrificed three days after their last treatment and their eyes were serially sectioned and analyzed to assess tumor burden.
Results: :
The ocular tumor burden in mice treated with etoposide did not significantly differ (p = 0.445) from that of mice treated with control.
Conclusions: :
Etoposide as a single agent has no significant effect on retinoblastoma in a transgenic murine model. This finding raises the possibility that etoposide is not an effective chemotherapeutic agent for this disease, perhaps exposing children to unnecessary toxicity.
Keywords: retinoblastoma • tumors • retina