Outcome for patients with constitutional 13q chromosomal abnormalities and retinoblastoma

The outcomes for five patients with retinoblastoma and constitutional chromosomal abnormalities involving the long arm of chromosome 13 are reported. All patients demonstrated developmental delay and mental retardation. Four of these patients are alive 23, 21, 15, and 1 year from diagnosis; one died of pneumonia with septicemia. Each of the four survivors has, with aging, shown hypotonia, mutism, contractures, and inability to function independently.