Oklahoma’s First Targeted Chemotherapy for Pediatric Eye Cancer Completed by Oklahoma Children’s OU Health

Oklahoma Children’s OU Health has performed the first intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) procedure for retinoblastoma in Oklahoma, marking a major advancement in pediatric cancer care and offering new hope for children diagnosed with the rare eye cancer that primarily affects infants and young children.

The procedure was performed by Dr. Michael Feldman, M.D., pediatric and endovascular neurosurgeon and assistant professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. Dr. Feldman led a multidisciplinary team of pediatric oncologists, ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists and pharmacists to successfully deliver chemotherapy directly to the affected eye.

“This procedure represents a transformative step for children with retinoblastoma in our state,” said Dr. Feldman. “It allows us to deliver powerful anti-cancer medication precisely where it’s needed — to the tumor — while sparing the rest of the body from toxic effects. We can save vision, save eyes and spare children from the harsh side effects of traditional chemotherapy.”

Why It Matters for Oklahoma Families

Previously, Oklahoma families whose children were diagnosed with retinoblastoma had to travel to major centers in cities such as Seattle, Nashville or Philadelphia for the same treatment. With the launch of this chemotherapy at Oklahoma Children’s, those families can now access the most advanced, vision-preserving therapy without leaving the state.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy delivers concentrated doses of medication directly into the ophthalmic artery — the blood vessel that feeds the retina — through a tiny catheter inserted in the groin. Using advanced neuro-endovascular navigation, the medical team guides the catheter through the vascular system to reach the artery supplying the tumor.

“In a baby, systemic chemotherapy can be incredibly toxic,” Dr. Feldman said. “Their bodies simply aren’t built to handle that amount of medication. By using this targeted approach, we can treat the tumor directly, minimize exposure to the rest of the body, and dramatically reduce side effects.”

Precision in Motion

For Oklahoma’s first patient, a 10-month-old boy from Ramona, Oklahoma, the OU Health team worked in close coordination with specialists in pediatric oncology, pediatric radiology, pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric anesthesia, and pharmacy to ensure each step was perfectly timed.

“It’s a highly choreographed process,” said Dr. Feldman. “Pharmacy prepares the drug within hours of use, anesthesia maintains precise control, and our endovascular team navigates vessels smaller than a millimeter. Everything has to happen in perfect sequence.”

The patient’s tumor began to shrink almost immediately. After three treatment cycles spaced four weeks apart, the tumor had calcified and was declared inactive. The child has retained his vision and is now thriving at home.

Advantages of Intra-Arterial Chemotherapy

The IAC procedure offers significant advantages over traditional chemotherapy:

• Reduced toxicity — medication goes directly to the tumor, minimizing systemic side effects
• Improved precision — advanced neuro-endovascular techniques target only the diseased tissue
• Shorter recovery — children typically go home the next day and experience minimal discomfort
• Better long-term outcomes — preserves sight and quality of life while achieving remission

The toxicity is minimal. Children may get some eye swelling or lose a few eyelashes, but compared to systemic chemotherapy, it’s a dramatically gentler therapy.

A Multidisciplinary Model for Success

Dr. Feldman emphasized that the success of Oklahoma’s first IAC procedure reflects the strength of OU Health’s multidisciplinary approach.

“This isn’t something one person can do alone,” he said. “It takes the expertise of pediatric ophthalmology, pediatric oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric radiology, pediatric pharmacy, and pediatric anesthesia all working together. We’ve built that team here, and now that we’ve done it once, we’re ready to offer it to more children.”

Oklahoma Children’s is now among a select group of U.S. centers capable of performing intra-arterial chemotherapy for pediatric retinoblastoma.

A New Era of Pediatric Cancer Care in Oklahoma

The availability of IAC therapy at Oklahoma Children’s highlights OU Health’s mission to provide world-class, compassionate care for the youngest and most vulnerable patients without requiring families to travel out of state.

“Families shouldn’t have to cross the country to get the best possible care,” Dr. Feldman said. “Our team is bringing these life-changing, sight-saving treatments home to Oklahoma.”

Oklahoma Children’s OU Health Jimmy Everest Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Children is a national leader in pediatric cancer care, combining advanced research, innovative technology, and family-centered treatment for children across the region. By integrating the expertise of pediatric oncology, ophthalmology, and endovascular neurosurgery, OU Health delivers precision therapies that help children achieve remission while preserving their vision and quality of life.