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Our aim was to evaluate the potential effect of imatinib mesylate (IM), a small molecule that specifically inhibits the tyrosine quinase receptors, on the proliferation and invasive abilities of two human retinoblastoma (Rb) cell lines. Furthermore, the ability of IM to radiosensitize Rb cells was evaluated. The potential targets of IM (C-kit, PDGRF-α and -β, and c-Abl) were also investigated in these cell lines.Two human Rb cell lines (WERI-RB-1 and Y79) were cultured under normal growth conditions. An MTT-based proliferation assay and a Matrigel invasion assay were performed with and without exposure to 10 μM of IM. The cells were also irradiated with graded dosages of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Gy with and without IM and their proliferations rates were analyzed. Western blot and immunocytochemical analysis of cytospins were performed to evaluate the expression of C-kit, PDGRF-α and -β, and c-Abl.When IM was added to both cell lines a statistically significant (P0.05) reduction in proliferation and invasive ability were observed. Exposure to IM also significantly increased the radiosensitivity of both Rb cell lines. The c-Abl expression was strongly positive, PDGRF-α and -β expression were also positive but the C-kit expression was negative in both cell lines.These results indicate that Gleevec may be useful as an adjuvant treatment in Rb patients, specially those considered for radiation therapy.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common eyelid malignancy, accounting for approximately 90% of malignant eyelid tumours. Despite its prevalence in adults, it is extremely rare in children, and usually occurs in the setting of a known genetic defect or following radiotherapy treatment. We report three cases of de novo basal cell carcinoma in children. These children had no known genetic syndromes and had not undergone radiotherapy.