Aqueous Humor Biopsy Found Safe in Pediatric Retinoblastoma

A retrospective multicenter study published in Ophthalmology confirms that aqueous humor liquid biopsy, performed via anterior chamber paracentesis, is a safe and well-tolerated procedure for pediatric patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma or retinoblastoma-simulating lesions.

Large-Scale Study Confirms Low Complication Rate

The study, led by Douglas Chigane, MD, of Children's Hospital Los Angeles, analyzed data from 1,203 anterior chamber paracentesis procedures conducted on 484 eyes from 425 pediatric patients, including:

• 352 eyes with confirmed retinoblastoma

• 73 eyes with retinoblastoma-simulating lesions

Findings revealed an exceptionally low complication rate of 0.08%, with only one mild complication reported. Importantly, no moderate or severe adverse events were observed at a median follow-up of 16 months. The study reported no vision loss, eye loss, extraocular tumor spread, or mortality related to the procedure.

Multicenter Evidence Supports Long-Term Safety

The results reflect consistent safety outcomes across multiple treatment centers, highlighting the broad applicability and reliability of aqueous humor sampling for pediatric intraocular oncology.

“Given the expanding role of aqueous humor liquid biopsy in retinoblastoma diagnosis and treatment, these findings are crucial for guiding clinicians and reassuring parents about the procedure’s safety,” the authors noted.

A Minimally Invasive Tool for Personalized Pediatric Cancer Care

Aqueous humor liquid biopsy allows for minimally invasive sampling of tumor-derived biomarkers, offering significant potential for:

• Diagnosis confirmation

• Treatment monitoring

• Risk stratification and prognosis

• Personalized care decisions

“As the field advances, aqueous humor liquid biopsy stands poised to revolutionize the approach to intraocular cancer,” the authors wrote, emphasizing its role in ongoing disease monitoring and precision oncology in pediatric eye care.

Reference:

Douglas Chigane et al, Safety Assessment of Aqueous Humor Liquid Biopsy in Retinoblastoma, Ophthalmology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.03.018