Smartphone-based application improves the detection of retinoblastoma

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Oncology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Leukocoria, a white reflex in the eye, is a primary sign of Retinoblastoma (RB), a common childhood eye cancer.
• Early detection of RB is crucial for successful treatment and vision salvage.
• Smartphone-based applications offer a potential tool for accessible, non-invasive screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance and validate a smartphone application for detecting leukocoria.
• To enable non-ophthalmologists to use smartphones for early Retinoblastoma detection in children.
• To avoid the need for anesthesia and pupil dilation during screening.

Main Methods:

• Two red reflex detection apps, MDEyeCare and CRADLE, were tested on an iPhone 6s.
• MDEyeCare's methodology was optimized for lighting, camera distance, and gaze.
• 34 eyes from 23 RB patients and 4 normal children were analyzed, with RB confirmed by clinical and radiological data.

Main Results:

• The modified MDEyeCare app detected early-stage RB leukocoria in 50% (Group B) and 83% (Group C) of cases.
• 100% of late-stage RB tumors (Groups D and E) were detected by the improved MDEyeCare app.
• The CRADLE app showed limited detection capabilities, and pseudo-leukocoria was noted in three normal eyes at lateral gaze with MDEyeCare.

Conclusions:

• An improved smartphone-based app methodology significantly enhances Retinoblastoma detection.
• This advancement holds potential for improved treatment outcomes, particularly in preserving vision.
• Smartphone screening tools can aid in the early identification of pediatric eye cancers.