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[Retinoblastoma: multidisciplinary treatment in a group of 32 patients]
M J Tasso Cereceda1, J Ferris Tortajada, A Cañete Nieto
1Unidad Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil La Fe, Valencia.
Insights
This study on retinoblastoma (RTB) treatment found a 90.6% disease-free survival rate. However, conservative treatment improvements are crucial to reduce enucleations and associated blindness or facial deformities in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Ophthalmology
Context:
- Retinoblastoma (RTB) is a malignant tumor affecting children.
- Treatment protocols have evolved over time.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for outcomes.
Purpose:
- To analyze the treatment outcomes of retinoblastoma (RTB) in children.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a protocol based on Reese-Ellsworth classification.
- To identify areas for improvement in RTB management.
Summary:
- Thirty-two children with retinoblastoma (RTB) were treated between 1981 and 1989.
- Treatment involved enucleation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy based on disease stage.
- The disease-free survival rate was 90.6% over a median follow-up of 43.5 months.
Impact:
- Enucleation led to blindness in seven children and facial deformity in seven due to radiotherapy.
- The study highlights the need for enhanced conservative treatment strategies.
- Reducing enucleation rates is essential for preserving vision and minimizing treatment-related morbidity.
Abstract:
Thirty-two children with retinoblastoma (RTB) were treated in our oncology unit between September 1981 and October 1989. There were 18 unilateral RTB and 14 bilateral. The median age at diagnosis was 24 months. Leukocoria was the most common sign of presentation (66%). All patients were treated with a protocol based on Reese-Ellsworth classification and the anatomo-clinic extension. Thirty patients were enucleated (7 bilaterally), 14 of which needed coadjuvant chemotherapy and 6 orbital radiotherapy. Two patients died, one from each group. The disease-free survival rate is 90.6% with a medium follow-up of 43.5 months. Seven children went blind because of bilateral enucleation and seven present facial deformity caused by radiotherapy. We underline the importance of improving the effectiveness of conservative treatment in order to reduce the number of enucleation.