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Updated: Jun 29, 2026
Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
Late presentation of retinoblastoma in Malaysia
Bina S Menon1, Joseph Alagaratnam, Eni Juraida
1Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. drmenon2003@hotmail.com
Insights
Retinoblastoma in Malaysian children often presents as advanced extraocular disease due to delayed diagnosis and treatment abandonment. This study highlights the need for earlier detection and consistent follow-up for better outcomes in retinoblastoma cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignancy in children.
- Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving vision and life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the presenting features, treatment modalities, and outcomes of retinoblastoma in Malaysian children.
- To identify factors contributing to the disease's progression and survival rates.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study conducted at General Hospital Kuala Lumpur from August 2001 to October 2007.
- Clinical data were collected at presentation and during follow-up for 105 children diagnosed with retinoblastoma.
Main Results:
- The median age was 20 months, with 73% of cases being of Malay ethnicity.
- Common presenting signs included leukocoria (61%) and proptosis (22%).
- 55% of children had extraocular disease at diagnosis, with 31% delaying treatment by over 6 months. Survival rate was 54%, with 20% mortality and 26% lost to follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Retinoblastoma in Malaysia is frequently diagnosed at an advanced, extraocular stage.
- Late presentation and high rates of treatment abandonment significantly impact patient outcomes.
- There is a critical need for improved awareness and timely management of retinoblastoma in the region.
Aims:
The aims of this study were to review the presenting features, treatment and outcome for Malaysian children with retinoblastoma currently.
Subjects And Methods:
This was a prospective study, conducted at the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur from August 2001 until October 2007. Clinical data were collected at presentation and follow-up.
Results:
One hundred five children were diagnosed to have retinoblastoma. There were 55 males and 50 females, ranging in age from 1 month to 14 years (median 20 months). Seventy-six children were Malay in ethnic origin (73%), 14 Chinese (13%), 12 Indian (11%), and other races (3%). Sixty-four children presented with leukocoria (61%), followed by 23 with proptosis (22%), 13 with squint (12%), and 3 with orbital cellulitis (3%). Thirty-three children (31%) deferred treatment for 6 months or more. Overall, 56 children had extraocular disease (55%), 52 at presentation, 4 later. Seventy-one children (68%) underwent primary enucleation, 76 received chemotherapy (72%), and 23 radiotherapy (22%). Fifty-seven children are alive (54%), of whom 3 are blind (5%). Twenty-seven children were lost to follow-up (26%) and 21 have died (20%).
Conclusion:
Retinoblastoma in Malaysia is still characterized by predominantly extraocular disease due to late presentation and high rates of abandonment.
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