Hyderabad: Many people are surprised to learn that cancer can also develop in the eye, a fact that often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, according to senior oncologist Dr. Palkonda Vijay Anand Reddy, Director and Senior Consultant Oncologist at Apollo Cancer Hospital.
“Ocular cancers are relatively rare and frequently ignored because of lack of awareness,” Dr. Reddy said, adding that early detection plays a critical role in saving both life and vision.
Advances in Cancer Care
Dr. Reddy highlighted how advances in artificial intelligence, computer-guided radiation, and medical genomics have transformed cancer treatment in recent years. Modern genomic analysis allows doctors to study the genetic makeup of tumors and identify the precise mutations that cause normal cells to become cancerous.
“This has enabled more targeted treatments with reduced toxicity and significantly better outcomes,” he explained.
A recipient of the Padma Shri, Dr. Reddy specializes in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, and ocular cancers, with particular expertise in treating retinoblastoma in children.
Retinoblastoma: A Common Eye Cancer in Children
Among ocular cancers, retinoblastoma is one of the most common and primarily affects children under the age of four. It develops in the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye responsible for forming images.
“When retinal cells grow abnormally, retinoblastoma can develop,” Dr. Reddy said. “The encouraging fact is that this cancer is highly curable when detected early.”
He noted that his team has treated more than 1,500 cases using advanced techniques such as intra-arterial chemotherapy, which delivers medication directly into the eye. Modern radiation therapy, guided by computer technology, allows high-dose radiation to precisely target tumors while preserving vision and protecting the brain.
Parents Play a Key Role in Early Detection
Early diagnosis in children can be challenging because young patients are unable to describe vision problems. Dr. Reddy emphasized that parents should watch for warning signs such as a white reflection in photographs, where the pupil appears white instead of black.
Other symptoms include squinting, redness of the eye, or bulging of the eyeball.
“Retinoblastoma is highly curable if detected early. We can often save the child’s life, the eye, and vision,” he said, warning that delayed diagnosis can make the disease life-threatening.
Genetic Factors and Screening
Retinoblastoma is commonly associated with abnormalities in the RB1 gene. While avoiding marriages between close relatives may reduce risk, the disease can still occur without any family history.
Dr. Reddy stressed the importance of genetic testing after diagnosis to assess risks for future children. Prenatal tests, including amniotic fluid analysis, can determine whether an unborn child carries the RB1 mutation. Although gene therapy is not yet available to correct the mutation, early-stage tumors can be effectively treated using precise local therapies such as cryotherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy.
Modern Cancer Treatments Improve Quality of Life
Dr. Reddy explained that cancer treatment today is far less invasive and more patient-friendly than in the past.
- Surgery: Modern procedures often remove only the tumor instead of the entire organ. Minimally invasive and robotic surgeries reduce blood loss, shorten hospital stays, and speed up recovery.
- Chemotherapy: Targeted therapies and immunotherapy now act specifically on cancer cells, resulting in fewer and more manageable side effects.
- Radiation Therapy: Advanced computer-guided radiation allows doctors to precisely target tumors while protecting healthy tissue, reducing skin damage and discomfort.
Higher Cure Rates Offer Hope
Thirty years ago, cancer cure rates were around 30–40 percent. Today, nearly 70 percent of cancers can be cured across different stages, Dr. Reddy said.
“Cancer is highly treatable, but early diagnosis is crucial,” he emphasized. “Awareness and timely screening can save lives. With ongoing research and innovation, we hope to see even better outcomes—and one day, the eradication of cancer.”