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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

06:52
Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
Metastatic retinoblastoma: single institution experience over two decades
R Cozza1, M A De Ioris, I Ilari
1Pediatric Oncology Unit, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 27, 2009
Summary
Metastatic retinoblastoma is rare but serious. High-dose chemotherapy combined with local treatment offers a potential cure, though central nervous system involvement remains a poor prognostic indicator.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cancer Metastasis
Background:
- Metastatic retinoblastoma is uncommon in developed nations.
- It carries a significant risk of poor outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review treatment strategies and outcomes for metastatic retinoblastoma.
- To identify factors influencing survival in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for metastatic retinoblastoma cases over 20 years.
- Analysis of treatment regimens including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and high-dose chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Six out of 104 patients (2%) presented with metastatic retinoblastoma.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement occurred in five patients, with a high mortality rate.
- Two patients survived long-term (60 and 63 months) after receiving high-dose chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- A combination of local treatment and conventional plus high-dose chemotherapy shows promise for treating metastatic retinoblastoma.
- Central nervous system (CNS) involvement in metastatic retinoblastoma is associated with an incurable prognosis.
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The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
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