Better chances for childhood cancer in Brazil

Last April, the GRAACC Hospital reached the milestone of 1 thousand applications of intra-arterial chemotherapy. This means that hundreds of children had access to one of the most advanced treatments to cure retinoblastoma [malignant tumor of the retina], a type of cancer that, although rare, is the one that most affects the eyes of children, and accounts for 15% of new cases at the hospital.

Children like Valentina, who was only 1 year and 10 months when the cancer was diagnosed, after her father noticed a different shine in one of her eyes and visited a pediatrician. Her family decided to move to São Paulo temporarily for a treatment at GRAACC, after being told about the work of competent physicians at the hospital. “We felt more confident about the treatment when we got to GRAACC and heard about the good chances of cure. After four months and four infusions of intra-arterial chemotherapy, Valentina was discharged from the hospital without having to undergo surgery. Today, at the age of 3, Valentina is cured. She plays a lot and loves to pose for photos,” said her mother, Alessandra.

The technique used in her treatment at GRAACC by neurointerventionalist Dr. José Roberto Fonseca, consists of injecting the chemotherapy drug directly in the blood vessel that irrigates the eyes. This way, the drug reaches the tumor with more precision and more concentration, reducing the side effects in the body.  

The resources available at GRAACC Hospital range from diagnosis to treatment. At the hospital, the rate of cure for this type cancer exceeds 90%.“Throughout GRAACC’s history, we have followed the advances of science, and have all resources required to offer cure and quality of life. Intra-arterial chemotherapy is particularly important in preserving the eyeballs and the vision,” said Dr. Carla Donato Macedo, pediatric oncologist specializing in retinoblastoma.