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Detection and Diagnosis of Retinoblastoma: Can Mobile Devices Be the Next Step Toward Early Intervention?
Abdur Rahman Jabir1, Haniah A Zaheer2, Myra A Zaheer3
1School of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, USA.
Insights
Mobile devices show promise for early retinoblastoma (RB) detection in children. Further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness for healthcare providers and parents in diagnosing this common pediatric eye cancer.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Retinoblastoma (RB) is a prevalent pediatric intraocular cancer.
- Clinical diagnosis can be delayed due to factors like small tumor size or missed appointments.
- Mobile devices offer a potential new tool for screening and detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on mobile device use for early retinoblastoma detection.
- To assess the potential role of mobile devices for healthcare providers and parents.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science.
- Ten studies were included in the final systematic review analysis.
Main Results:
- The existing literature on mobile device use for RB detection is still limited.
- Further research is required to establish the efficacy of mobile devices in diagnosing retinoblastoma.
Conclusions:
- Mobile devices present a novel approach for retinoblastoma screening and detection.
- More research is necessary to validate their role in clinical practice and parental use.
Abstract:
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common intraocular cancer in pediatric patients worldwide, and screening is routinely performed throughout the first few years of life. The diagnosis is often made clinically; however, the diagnosis can be delayed due to undetectable leukocoria because of small tumor size at the time of examination, missed appointments, non-compliance with eye examinations, or failure to perform the exam. As mobile devices continue to gain in both popularity and functionality, their use via applications and smartphone attachments for ocular examination introduces a new avenue for screening, detection, and staging of RB both inside and outside the clinical setting. Currently, research regarding mobile device use is still in its infancy, and further research is required to determine whether mobile devices could play a significant role in assisting with the diagnosis of RB. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine whether the existing literature supports the use of mobile devices by healthcare providers, specifically ophthalmologists and non-ophthalmologists, as well as by parents for the early detection of RB. A comprehensive literature search was conducted via PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science with a total of 10 studies included in the final analysis.
