Retinoblastoma: a study of natural history and prognosis of 268 cases

The natural history and prognosis of retinoblastoma were analysed using data relating to the 268 cases registered during 1962-8 in England, Scotland, and Wales. The children were followed up for a minimum of four years; the proportion surviving for four years was 86%. The most important factors affecting survival rate were the stage of the tumour at diagnosis and the hospital of treatment. Of children surviving for three years after treatment only three died during the subsequent period of follow-up, which varied from one to seven years. Among children with retinoblastoma treated between 1949 and 1968 nine died between seven and 13 years later of other cancers: seven from osteosarcomas, one from angiosarcoma, and one from fibrosarcoma.