Paediatric retinoblastoma in India: evidence from the National Cancer Registry Programme

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Ophthalmology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Retinoblastoma is the most frequent primary intraocular malignancy in children globally.
• This study analyzes recent incidence rates of retinoblastoma in India.
• Data is sourced from Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) in five major Indian cities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document recent incidence rates of retinoblastoma by age and sex in India.
• To identify regional variations in retinoblastoma incidence across different geographic areas.
• To compare incidence rates between various age and sex groups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Cancer Registry Programme's PBCRs (Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata) for 2005/06–2009/10.
• Calculated relative proportions, sex ratios, diagnostic methods, and crude/age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR).
• Employed Poisson distribution to calculate standard errors and confidence limits for ASIRs by sex; analyzed standardized rate ratios.

Main Results:

• The 0-4 age group accounted for the majority of pooled retinoblastoma cases (78% females, 81% males).
• Pooled crude incidence rate (0-14 years) was 3.5 per million; pooled ASIR was 4.4 per million.
• Significant regional variations in incidence were observed, with Chennai and Bangalore showing higher M/F ratios. Chennai reported the highest incidence in males (21.7/million, 0-4 yrs), and Kolkata in females (18.9/million, 0-4 yrs).

Conclusions:

• Retinoblastoma incidence in India varies notably by geographic region and sex.
• The highest burden of retinoblastoma is concentrated in the youngest age group (0-4 years).
• Findings highlight the need for targeted regional public health strategies for childhood eye cancer.