Pete - I think K would be very, very needed. Intra-arterial administration of chemo drugs has been huge treatment progress for these kids - but the meds being administered this way are still the harsh chemotherapeutic agents we're used to. Because they are being delivered directly to the ocular site - the systemic risks and side effects have been reduced dramatically - but who wants these agents going into their kids bodies? If a much safer, much less toxic alternative came around with equal or better efficacy - what parent wouldn't choose it?
The hereditary form of this disease is so dangerous. Clinicians have their hands tied. These kids are much higher risk, get hit earlier, get hit in both eyes most often, get secondary cancers at high rates...They need to be treated aggressively, often need a mutiple chemo-regimen that can have side effect of...(wait for it!)...CANCER - in the form of leukemia. Also they sometimes (rare but still happens) need radiation even though radiation is known to increase risk for later cancers, a risk already so high for them. So - in this group of kids with error in the RB1 gene, with hereditary retinoblastoma, Kevetrin could be a godsend. It could give them full body coverage without the system poisoning of chemo. It could prevent radiation treatment in those most unfortunate of children whose illnesses still force them to make that choice.
Also - the chance exists that with Kevetrin, those kids with hereditary retinoblastoma may have decreased risk of pineal gland and other cancers. All supposition. So early in testing to be making any such claims. Just a dream for now - we have no idea if this will be possible.