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Updated: Jul 4, 2025
Reconstruct Human Retinoblastoma In Vitro
Published on: October 11, 2022
The first retinoblastoma local experience in Kuwait: A retrospective case series
Abdulaziz Alotaibi1, Mohammad Karam1, Allaa Roto1
1AlBahar Ophthalmology Center, Ibn Sina Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait.
Insights
This study presents the first Kuwaiti retinoblastoma (RB) cases managed by a dedicated team established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multidisciplinary approach successfully treated RB patients according to standardized protocols.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Oncology
Background:
- Establishment of a dedicated retinoblastoma team in Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Development of a standardized management protocol for retinoblastoma (RB).
Observation:
- Six pediatric cases of retinoblastoma (RB) were analyzed.
- Patient ages ranged from 3 months to 2 years, with a 2:1 male to female ratio.
- Common presentations included abnormal pupillary reflex, leukocoria, intra-retinal mass with calcification, and vitreous seeding.
Findings:
- Most cases were unilateral RB, with one bilateral case.
- International RB staging ranged from Group B to E.
- A multidisciplinary team utilized a standardized protocol for case management, tailoring treatment to individual case grades.
Implications:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated and catalyzed the creation of a specialized RB team in Kuwait.
- A standardized, multidisciplinary approach proved effective for managing retinoblastoma (RB) cases.
- This initiative represents a significant advancement in pediatric cancer care within Kuwait.
Background:
To report the first series of retinoblastoma (RB) cases that were managed locally in Kuwait by the retinoblastoma team that was established during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Results:
Six cases with RB were included in this study. The ages ranged from 3 months to 2 years with a male to female ratio of 2:1. All cases presented with an abnormal pupillary reflex with or without strabismus. Examination findings mostly showed leukocoria and an intra-retinal mass with calcification with or without vitreous seeding. Most cases were unilateral except for one case, which had bilateral RB. International classification of RB staging ranged from group B to E. Multidisciplinary approach was followed to manage these cases by applying a well-set protocol created by the RB team. Each case was treated according to grade at presentation.
Conclusion:
COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized the standard of care for RB in Kuwait and mandated the establishment of a multidisciplinary team to follow a standardized protocol to manage RB cases successfully.
