Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of retinoblastoma: correlation with prognosis in a Turkish pediatric oncology center

Retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma in Jordan: incidence, demographics, and survival (2011-2020)

PURPOSE

We present an epidemiologic analysis of retinoblastoma (RB) and uveal melanoma (UM) in Jordan to aid national strategies for improved ocular cancer surveillance and control.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of all Jordanian patients with RB and UM diagnosed over 10 years (2011-2020). Outcome measures included incidence, demographics, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Retinoblastoma (n = 124) was more common than UM (n = 82); there was no sex predilection for either group. The median age at diagnosis of RB was 15 months(Six and 28 months for bilateral and unilateral cases, respectively), and the mean age-adjusted incidence was 8.2 cases per-million-children per year for children aged five years or less(one per 15,620 newborn per year). Fifty-one(41%) had bilateral disease, and 18(15%) had familial disease. Ninety-six(55%) eyes were group D or E(78% were T3/T4), and the five-year survival rate was 96%.For UM, the median age at diagnosis was 45 years with an incidence of 1.39 new cases per year per one million population. All(100%) had nonfamilial unilateral disease. Seventy-three(89%) had the tumor in the choroid, and 48(58%) had an advanced tumor that had invaded the sclera or the orbit (T3/T4) tumor. Sixty-two(76%) were treated by I-125 radioactive plaque, with globe salvage in 59(95%); the five-year survival rate was 85%.

CONCLUSION

In Jordan, RB is more common and has better survival than UM. RB in Jordan and Western countries is equal in terms of incidence, globe salvage, and survival. UM is less common, with lower age at diagnosis (that was associated with better survival) in Jordan than in Western countries.

Clinical Presentations and Outcomes of Retinoblastoma Patients in relation to the Advent of New Multimodal Treatments: A 12-Year Report from Single Tertiary Referral Institute in Thailand

PURPOSE

To investigate the clinical presentations and outcomes of retinoblastoma in relation to the advent of new multimodal treatments in Thailand. Patients and Methods. Retrospective case series. We evaluated the clinical presentation, staging, details of treatment, and treatment outcomes of retinoblastoma patients who were treated at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2018. The log-rank test was used to explore clinical characteristics and treatment modalities that affected globe salvage and survival curves.

RESULTS

This study included 124 eyes of 81 patients with retinoblastoma. Forty-three patients (53.1%) had bilateral retinoblastoma. The median age at diagnosis was 8 months (range, 1-48 months). Of 124 eyes, 9 eyes (7.3%) had extraocular retinoblastoma and 115 eyes (92.7%) had intraocular retinoblastoma, which were classified by the International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) as group A, 4 eyes (3.5%); group B, 19 eyes (16.5%); group C, 6 eyes (5.2%); group D, 31 eyes (27%); and group E, 56 eyes (47.8%). Treatment included systemic chemotherapy, intra-arterial chemotherapy, ruthenium-106 plaque brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, cryotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, subtenon chemotherapy, and intravitreal chemotherapy. At the median follow-up period of 38.4 months (range, 0.2-148.2 months), the overall globe salvage rate of intraocular retinoblastoma was 51.7%. For unilateral retinoblastoma, globe salvage rate was 37.5% (group B, 100%; group C, 100%; group D, 50%; and group E, 18.8%). For bilateral intraocular retinoblastoma, the globe salvage rate was 57.8% (group A, 100 %; group B, 94.4%; group C, 100%; group D, 64.7%; and group E, 28.2%). The overall survival rate was 93.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent advanced treatment modalities have improved the probability of globe salvage. However, enucleation remains an important life-saving intervention in many advanced cases.

Time to diagnosis of retinoblastoma in Latin America: A systematic review

Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common intraocular tumor of childhood. In low income countries, Time to diagnosis (TTD: interval between first symptom and diagnosis) has been associated with extraocular disease, metastasis and mortality. However, the relationship between TTD and prognosis is complex and not simply a linear correlation, particularly if TTD is <6 months. This systematic review aims to identify studies reporting TTD of retinoblastoma in Latin America, highlighting factors affecting TTD, alongside proposals and initiatives to obtain shorter intervals. The review also aims to discuss the methodology linked to cancer pathways studies. The study respected PRISMA recommendations, was registered on Prospero, an international database for systematic review registries under number CRD42017076777. MEDLINE/PUBMED, LILACS and SCIELO databases were searched. Studies from Latin America and the Caribbean, published between 1997 and 2017, reporting TTD and age at diagnosis of patients with retinoblastoma were selected. Nine studies were selected, concerning 1560 patients from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Honduras, Mexico and Peru. The median TTD ranged from 3 to 5 months and the median age at diagnosis ranged from 16.5 to 22.2 months. A prolonged TTD was observed and was associated to damaging results on retinoblastoma outcomes, particularly increasing extraocular disease, and mortality rates. Methodological heterogeneity was observed and reiterates the importance of standardization of TTD studies, allowing more reliable comparisons and greater knowledge about retinoblastoma pathways before diagnosis. Reports on successful initiatives against delayed diagnosis were scarce, emphasizing a need for further studies.

Retinoblastoma in Jordan, 2003-2013: ocular survival and associated factors

PURPOSE

To determine ocular survival and factors affecting globe survival in patients diagnosed with retinoblastoma at King Hussein Cancer Center (KHCC).

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of 71 Jordanian patients (45 males and 26 females) diagnosed with retinoblastoma (114 eyes) between June 2003 and May 2013 was conducted. Patient sociodemographic and relevant characteristics were collected from records. Patients with bilateral retinoblastoma were treated with chemoreduction and focal consolidation. Lens-sparing radiation therapy and enucleation were reserved for eyes that failed chemoreduction combined with focal therapy. In cases of unilateral retinoblastoma, primary enucleation was recommended for eyes with advanced unilateral disease (Reese-Ellsworth classification groups IV and V). Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression multilevel analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Median age at diagnosis was 12 months. The follow-up period ranged from 0.25-160 months (mean 26.9 months). The Kaplan-Meier estimate of globe survival of the 114 eyes was 68.0% at 1 year, 63.3% at 2 years, and 62.1% at 5 years. The mean survival time was 101.6 months (95% confidence interval, CI, 87.6-115.6 months). In multivariable-adjusted analysis, advanced stage of the disease (hazard ratio, HR, 5.1, 95% CI 2.3-11.6), unilateral disease (HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4-8.1), and delay in diagnosis (HR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.5) were significantly associated with increased hazard of enucleation.

CONCLUSION

The overall ocular survival rate for eyes with retinoblastoma was close to regional and international figures. Disease stage, laterality, and delay in diagnosis were significant predictors of enucleation.

Diagnostic delay and sociodemographic predictors of stage at diagnosis and mortality in unilateral and bilateral retinoblastoma

BACKGROUND

More invasive retinoblastoma, characterized by increased morbidity and mortality, with lower rates of eye salvage and higher rates of extraocular dissemination, seems more prevalent in resource-poor countries. The relationship of diagnostic delay (lag time) and sociodemographic factors on the extent of disease at diagnosis has not been examined separately for unilateral and bilateral retinoblastoma.

METHODS

At diagnosis, consenting parents of 179 Mexican children with retinoblastoma were interviewed about initial symptoms and household demographic characteristics. Clinical presentation was classified using St. Jude's, International Staging System (ISS), and International Intraocular Retinoblastoma Classification (IIRC) criteria. Lag time (delay between noting symptoms and diagnosis) and sociodemographic factors were examined as predictors for higher stage at diagnosis and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

In bilateral disease, lag time predicts stage at diagnosis using St. Jude's, and ISS criteria (P < 0.005 in multivariate regression), and OS (P < 0.05, Cox hazards), but not extent of intraocular disease (by IIRC). In unilateral disease, lag time predicts neither extent of disease (using ISS, St Jude's, and IIRC), nor OS. Indicators of prenatal poverty, including lower maternal education and the presence of dirt flooring in the home, predict more advanced disease by IIRC for bilateral retinoblastoma, and for unilateral by ISS, and St Jude's (P < 0.001) as well as OS (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest unilateral and bilateral retinoblastoma differs in factors governing progression and extraretinal extension, possibly reflecting underlying biologic heterogeneity.

IMPACT

This demonstrates differing effect of social factors on extent of intra- and extraocular disease depending on laterality with implications for screening strategies.

Retinoblastoma in the democratic republic of congo: 20-year review from a tertiary hospital in kinshasa

Background. To determine clinical profile and management of retinoblastoma among children at Kinshasa in Democratic Republic of Congo. Patients and methods. The medical records of patients with a diagnosis of retinoblastoma seen at the University Hospital of Kinshasa from January 1985 till December 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic profile, clinical data, modes of treatment and outcome were analysed. Results. A total of 49 children, of whom 40 had adequate data on record were identified as retinoblastoma (28 males and 12 females). Nine cases had bilateral disease. The median age at the first symptoms was 9 months (range, 1 month to 6 years) for unilateral retinoblastoma and 18 months (range, 1 month to 3.5 years) for bilateral retinoblastoma. The median age at the first oncology consultation was 2.4 years (range, 6 months to 6 years) for unilateral retinoblastoma and 2.4years (range, 9 months to 4 years) for bilateral disease. Leukokoria was present in 67.5% of subjects. Seventy-five percent abandoned the treatment. The mortality was 92.5%. Conclusion. In Democratic Republic of Congo, retinoblastoma remains a life threatening disease characterized by late referral to a specialized unit and affordability of chemotherapy; all leading to an extension of the disease and high mortality.

"Retinoblastoma survival disparity": The expanding horizon in developing countries

The patients' survival for the most common intraocular tumor in children, retinoblastoma, has a wide spectrum among the world countries. This study was conducted to provide an overview of the retinoblastoma survival disparity worldwide by discussing the trends of patients' survival, as well as recent advances in the management of retinoblastoma. The design of this study was literature review and commentary. Selected articles from PubMed (except one) including both developing and developed countries regarding the patients' survival in retinoblastoma were considered and reviewed critically. An analysis of 47 articles was performed. In conclusion, in spite of an obvious contrast of retinoblastoma survival disparity in the world, the expanding horizons in developing countries are promising and continuing on all fronts and results are hope-inspiring.

Clinical presentation of retinoblastoma in a middle-income country

The presenting features of retinoblastoma in developing countries and their correlation with disease stage and patient survival are poorly known and they may be useful as background information for planning early diagnosis initiatives. Therefore, we undertook a retrospective review of 508 patients (467 evaluable, 296 unilateral) treated in Argentina from 1988 to 2008. Patients presented at an older age than reported from high-income countries [mean age 24 mo (range, 0 to 165 mo), 31 mo for unilateral (range, 0 to 165 mo), and 13.3 mo (range, 0 to 62 mo) for bilateral disease]. Leukocoria was the most common presenting sign (n=402, 86%). Strabismus was the only complaint in 25 (5.3%) patients. Forty-two patients (9%) presented with an enlarged eyeball and 37 (7.9%) with a red eye. Retinoblastoma was diagnosed in 22 (4.7%) asymptomatic children. These patients and those with strabismus alone were significantly younger and had a significantly better survival. Children presenting with enlarged eyeballs were significantly older and had significantly lower survival. In multivariable analysis older age and presentation with enlarged eyeballs were independently associated to advanced stage and mortality (P<0.001). Retinoblastoma is diagnosed in later stages in our setting and presentation with eye enlargement and increasing age at diagnosis correlate with worse outcome.

Retinoblastoma in Central America: report from the Central American Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (AHOPCA)

BACKGROUND

Retinoblastoma is highly curable in high income countries. Low income countries have poor results due to advanced disease and lack of resources. Central American Association of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (AHOPCA) aimed to standardize the approach and to improve outcomes of patients with retinoblastoma.

PROCEDURE

One hundred seventy-one patients, age <18 years newly diagnosed with retinoblastoma were treated according to laterality and stage. Therapeutic modalities were: surgery (enucleation), local control (laser therapy, cryotherapy), chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy consisted of vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin (6 cycles). Outcomes were measured by overall survival. Events were abandonment of therapy and death.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-one patients (129 unilateral, 42 bilateral) were treated. Median age was 2 years 4 months; 112 (66%) were diagnosed before 3 years of age. 119 (92%) eyes in patients with unilateral disease were Reese-Ellsworth IV or V versus 52 (62%) eyes in patients with bilateral disease. Extraocular disease was more prevalent in unilateral disease (65% vs. 50%). Older age at diagnosis correlated with higher stage. Estimated overall survival at 60 months was 0.48 ± 0.04. Outcome of patients with bilateral disease was significantly better than unilateral (62% ± 0.09 vs. 42% ± 0.05, P = 0.0006). Thirty-eight patients (22%) refused or abandoned therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Protocol-directed therapy for retinoblastoma in Central America is possible. Patients present with advanced disease and outcome is significantly worse than in middle and high-income countries. Refusal and abandonment of therapy are societal events that affect outcome. Initiatives aimed at improving early diagnosis, while dedicated treatment centers are developed, are critical.

Compliance in retinoblastoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate disease is advanced, compliance in retinoblastoma.

METHODS

This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients of retinoblastoma registered at our cancer center from June 2003-February 2007 to study compliance.

RESULTS

Sociodemographic data of 177 patients revealed rural:urban ratio of 2:1, median age 36 months (unilateral disease) and 24 months (bilateral disease); median symptom duration 7.2 months. Overall, 84/141 evalued cases took adequate therapy; follow-up could be achieved in 67/141 (47.5%) cases in comparison to 92.4% in Hodgkin's lymphoma (p=0.001), 62.8% in acute myeloid leukemia (p=0.036) and 72.7% in non Hodgkin's lymphoma (p=0.001). There was no significant impact of any sociodemographic factors on compliance. Amongst those offered enucleation upfront for intraocular disease, it was accepted in 86/93 (92.5%) eyes.

CONCLUSION

This is one of the largest studies in relation to sociodemographic factors and clinical spectrum, and the only study from Asia evaluating compliance with recommended therapy in retinoblastoma. In order to improve ocular and patient salvage rates in Asian countries, exact causes for poor compliance in retinoblastoma need to be closely examined through a prospective study.

Incidents malignant neoplasias maxillofacial area

Cancer is regarded as abnormal cellular multiplication; it is not controlled by the organism, and its cells present a differentiated DNA. Initially, the disease does not show clinical signs, but it can be diagnosed by laboratory examinations. When tumors are present in the maxillofacial area, the carrier can lose structures in this area, resulting to the carrier's social environment exclusion. This article aims to show incidences and causes of malignant neoplasias in the maxillofacial area.

Late presentation of retinoblastoma in Malaysia

AIMS

The aims of this study were to review the presenting features, treatment and outcome for Malaysian children with retinoblastoma currently.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective study, conducted at the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur from August 2001 until October 2007. Clinical data were collected at presentation and follow-up.

RESULTS

One hundred five children were diagnosed to have retinoblastoma. There were 55 males and 50 females, ranging in age from 1 month to 14 years (median 20 months). Seventy-six children were Malay in ethnic origin (73%), 14 Chinese (13%), 12 Indian (11%), and other races (3%). Sixty-four children presented with leukocoria (61%), followed by 23 with proptosis (22%), 13 with squint (12%), and 3 with orbital cellulitis (3%). Thirty-three children (31%) deferred treatment for 6 months or more. Overall, 56 children had extraocular disease (55%), 52 at presentation, 4 later. Seventy-one children (68%) underwent primary enucleation, 76 received chemotherapy (72%), and 23 radiotherapy (22%). Fifty-seven children are alive (54%), of whom 3 are blind (5%). Twenty-seven children were lost to follow-up (26%) and 21 have died (20%).

CONCLUSION

Retinoblastoma in Malaysia is still characterized by predominantly extraocular disease due to late presentation and high rates of abandonment.