Solid tumors
Retinoblastoma
Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the retina in young children. RB1-related genetic findings can affect one or both eyes and may have implications for family testing and future cancer risk.
Other names and abbreviations
RB · bilateral retinoblastoma · heritable retinoblastoma · trilateral retinoblastoma · Retinal blastoma · glioma of the retina (historical)
Where transplant fits
High-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue is used in selected extraocular, metastatic or trilateral disease. It is not the usual treatment for disease confined to the eye and normally uses the child’s own cells, not a registry donor.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- Retinoblastoma mainly affects very young children.
- Other treatment options
- Treatment aims to save life and, where possible, preserve the eye and vision. Options include local eye treatments, chemotherapy by different routes, surgery and selected radiation. The approach changes substantially if disease extends outside the eye.
- Cells used for transplantation
- The patient’s own collected blood-forming cells for autologous stem cell rescue, when that procedure is appropriate.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- Retinoblastoma Treatment (PDQ)
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05
Understanding can become action.
Some patients need a blood stem cell donor. Others receive different treatment. Wherever your interest began, you can help JBF reach more people who may be able to donate.
Explore the official registry serving where you live. It explains who can join, how registration works and what donation involves.
Find your official registryIf joining is not right for you, a gift to the Jada Bascom Foundation supports education, outreach and referrals to official registries.
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