RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH) has successfully preserved the vision of 84% of children treated for retinoblastoma, one of the most common eye cancers affecting children. The overall survival rate reached 100% during the follow-up period.
The achievement was made possible through KFSH’s specialised Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy (IAC) programme, the only programme of its kind in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Monday.
The treatment delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumour, reducing the drug’s exposure to the rest of the body and limiting side effects.
#التخصصي يحافظ على العين لدى 84% من الأطفال المصابين بالورم الأرومي الشبكي، ضمن برنامج للعلاج الكيميائي داخل الشريان ينفذ بالتنسيق مع @KKESHKSA، يتيح إيصال العلاج مباشرة إلى الورم، بما يعزز فرص الحفاظ على العين وحاسة البصر. pic.twitter.com/e8dxi53Spx
— مستشفى الملك فيصل التخصصي ومركز الأبحاث (@KFSHRC) September 14, 2026
The approach can also reduce the need for eye removal, while improving the chances of preserving the affected eye.
Early diagnosis is key to better outcomes
Early diagnosis of retinoblastoma can expand treatment options and improve the chances of controlling the tumour. It can also reduce the risk of the disease progressing to advanced stages that may threaten vision or spread to other parts of the body.
The appropriate treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the individual characteristics of each case.
93% success rate for the procedure
The IAC programme recorded a 93% success rate in performing the procedure. Interventional radiology consultants guide a micro-catheter through the complex blood vessels of children to reach the ophthalmic artery, allowing chemotherapy to be delivered precisely to the tumour while reducing the risk of vascular complications.
Early detection
The programme operates in coordination with King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KKESH). Patients are referred to KFSH’s Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology within the Paediatrics & Women’s Centre of Excellence for IAC treatment.
KKESH plays an important role in the early diagnosis and referral of retinoblastoma cases, as well as raising public awareness and training doctors to recognise the disease at an early stage.
Multidisciplinary care
The collaboration combines KFSH’s expertise in paediatric oncology and interventional radiology with KKESH’s specialised ophthalmology and eye surgery services.
Together, the institutions aim to provide children with advanced treatment options that can control the tumour while preserving the eye and vision whenever possible.
Strengthening paediatric cancer care
The programme highlights the importance of collaboration between leading Saudi healthcare institutions in improving paediatric eye cancer services and outcomes for children with retinoblastoma across the Kingdom.
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KFSH was ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 12th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centres for 2026.
It was also recognised as the most valuable healthcare brand in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East by Brand Finance and was listed by Newsweek among the World’s Best Hospitals, World’s Best Smart Hospitals and World’s Best Specialised Hospitals for 2026.
