Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is an aggressive eye cancer of infancy and childhood. Survival and the chance of saving vision depend on severity of disease at presentation. Retinoblastoma was the first tumour to draw attention to the genetic aetiology of cancer. Despite good understanding of its aetiology, mortality from retinoblastoma is about 70% in countries of low and middle income, where most affected children live. Poor public and medical awareness, and an absence of rigorous clinical trials to assess innovative treatments impede progress. Worldwide, most of the estimated 9000 newly diagnosed patients every year will die. However, global digital communications present opportunities to optimise standards of care for children and families affected by this rare and often devastating cancer. Parents are now leading the effort for widespread awareness of the danger of leucocoria. Genome-level technologies could make genetic testing a reality for every family affected by retinoblastoma. Best-practice guidelines, online sharing of pathological images, point-of-care data entry, multidisciplinary research, and clinical trials can reduce mortality. Most importantly, active participation of survivors and families will ensure that the whole wellbeing of the child is prioritised in any treatment plan.

von Hippel-Lindau disease

In recent years advances have been made in the clinical and genetic aspects of von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). Retinal capillary hemangioma is the most common manifestation of VHL disease and, therefore, ophthalmologists are frequently involved in the care of patients with this disease. The incidence of VHL disease is approximately 1 in 40,000 live births. It is estimated that there are approximately 7000 patients with VHL disease in the USA. The inheritance of VHL disease is autosomal dominant with high penetrance. Depending on the clinical circumstances, retinal capillary hemangioma may be managed by observation, laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, and plaque radiotherapy. Typical extraocular lesions associated with VHL disease are central nervous system hemangioma, renal cyst, renal carcinoma, pancreatic cysts and adenoma, pancreatic islet cell tumors, pheochromocytoma, endolymphatic sac tumor of the inner ear, and cystadenoma of the epididymis and the broad ligament. The life expectancy of affected individuals may be improved by early detection and treatment of varied manifestations with the use of surveillance protocols. Identification of the VHL gene on chromosome 3p25-26 has now made it possible for suspected individuals to undergo genetic testing with a high degree of accuracy. We review herein the ophthalmic manifestations and treatment of retinal capillary hemangioma and systemic findings of the VHL disease.

Chemoreduction and local ophthalmic therapy for intraocular retinoblastoma

PURPOSE

To study the effectiveness of combined systemic chemotherapy and local ophthalmic therapy for retinoblastoma with the goal of avoiding enucleation and external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm clinical trial. Seventy-five eyes were followed in 47 children. Patients were treated with a six-cycle protocol of vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin. Most (83%) also received ophthalmic treatment (cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, or plaque radiation therapy) during and/or after the chemotherapy.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 13 months, event-free survival was 74%, with an event defined as enucleation and/or EBRT. Six children required EBRT in seven eyes (9%); five required enucleation of one eye (7%); five required a combination of EBRT and enucleation in six eyes (8%). Reese-Ellsworth groups 1, 2, and 3 eyes had excellent results, with avoidance of EBRT or enucleation in all 39. Treatment of groups 4 and 5 was less successful, with 33% of six eyes and 53% of 30 eyes, respectively, requiring EBRT and/or enucleation. Toxicities from chemotherapy were mild and included cytopenias (89%), fever and neutropenia (28%), infection (9%), and gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, and vincristine neurotoxicity (40%). No patients developed a second malignancy, metastatic disease, renal disease, or ototoxicity.

CONCLUSION

In retinoblastoma patients with Reese-Ellsworth eye groups 1, 2, or 3, systemic chemotherapy used with local ophthalmic therapies can eliminate the need for enucleation or EBRT without significant systemic toxicity. More effective therapy is required for Reese-Ellsworth eye groups 4 and 5.

Chemoreduction plus focal therapy for retinoblastoma: factors predictive of need for treatment with external beam radiotherapy or enucleation

PURPOSE

To report the results of chemoreduction and focal therapy for retinoblastoma with determination of factors predictive of the need for treatment with external beam radiotherapy or enucleation.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

One-hundred three patients with retinoblastoma (158 eyes with 364 tumors) at the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital of Thomas Jefferson University in conjunction with the Division of Oncology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from June 1994 to August 1999 were enrolled for this prospective clinical trial. The patients received treatment for retinoblastoma with six planned cycles (one cycle per month) of chemoreduction using vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin combined with focal treatments (cryotherapy, thermotherapy, or plaque radiotherapy). The two main outcome measures after chemoreduction and focal therapy were the need for external beam radiotherapy and the need for enucleation. The clinical features at the time of patient presentation were analyzed for impact on the main outcome measures using a series of Cox proportional hazards regressions.

RESULTS

Using Reese-Ellsworth (RE) staging for retinoblastoma, there were nine (6%) eyes with group I disease, 26 (16%) eyes with group II disease, 16 (10%) eyes with group III disease, 32 (20%) eyes with group IV disease, and 75 (48%) eyes with group V retinoblastoma. All eyes showed initial favorable response with tumor regression. The median follow-up was 28 months (range, 2-63 months). Failure of chemoreduction and need for treatment with external beam radiotherapy occurred in 25% of eyes at 1 year, 27% at 3 years, and no further increase at 5 years. More specifically, external beam radiotherapy was necessary at 5 years in 10% of RE groups I-IV eyes and 47% of RE group V eyes. Multivariate factors predictive of treatment with external beam radiotherapy included non-Caucasian race, male sex, and RE group V disease. Failure of chemoreduction and the need for treatment with enucleation occurred in 13% eyes at 1 year, 29% at 3 years, and 34% at 5 years. More specifically, enucleation was necessary in 15% of RE groups I-IV eyes at 5 years and in 53% of RE group V at 5 years. Multivariate factors predictive of treatment with enucleation included patient age older than 12 months, single tumor in eye, and tumor proximity to foveola within 2 mm. Overall, of the 158 eyes, 50% required external beam radiotherapy or enucleation and 50% were successfully managed without these treatments. No patient developed retinoblastoma metastasis, pinealoblastoma, or second malignant neoplasms over the 5-year follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemoreduction offers satisfactory retinoblastoma control for RE groups I-IV eyes, with treatment failure necessitating additional external beam radiotherapy in only 10% of eyes and enucleation in 15% of eyes at 5-year follow-up. Patients with RE group V eyes require external beam radiotherapy in 47% and enucleation in 53% at 5 years.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye tumor of childhood that arises in the retina. It is the most common intraocular malignancy of infancy and childhood; with an incidence of 1/15,000–20,000 live births. The two most frequent symptoms revealing retinoblastoma are leukocoria and strabismus. Iris rubeosis, hypopyon, hyphema, buphthalmia, orbital cellulites and exophthalmia may also be observed. Sixty per cent of retinoblastomas are unilateral and most of these forms are not hereditary (median age at diagnosis two years). Retinoblastoma is bilateral in 40% of cases (median age at diagnosis one year). All bilateral and multifocal unilateral forms are hereditary. Hereditary retinoblastoma constitutes a cancer predisposition syndrome: a subject constitutionally carrying an RB1 gene mutation has a greater than 90% risk of developing retinoblastoma but is also at increased risk of developing other types of cancers. Diagnosis is made by fundoscopy. Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans may contribute to diagnosis. Management of patients with retinoblastoma must take into account the various aspects of the disease: the visual risk, the possibly hereditary nature of the disease, the life-threatening risk. Enucleation is still often necessary in unilateral disease; the decision for adjuvant treatment is taken according to the histological risk factors. Conservative treatment for at least one eye is possible in most of the bilateral cases. It includes laser alone or combined with chemotherapy, cryotherapy and brachytherapy. The indication for external beam radiotherapy should be restricted to large ocular tumors and diffuse vitreous seeding because of the risk of late effects, including secondary sarcoma. Vital prognosis, related to retinoblastoma alone, is now excellent in patients with unilateral or bilateral forms of retinoblastoma. Long term follow-up and early counseling regarding the risk of second primary tumors and transmission should be offered to retinoblastoma patients.

Intraocular-central nervous system lymphoma: clinical features, diagnosis, and outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical features, laboratory investigations, and diagnosis of intraocular-central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma in a cohort of patients who underwent diagnostic vitrectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series. METHOD AND STUDY MATERIALS: Thirty-four vitreous biopsy specimens obtained from 26 patients with treatment-resistant or unusual uveitis were re-evaluated in a masked fashion. The specimens were classified into three groups: "negative," "suspicious of malignancy," and "positive" based on the cytologic features, immunomarkers, and flow cytometry. The medical records of the patients were reviewed retrospectively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The reliability of vitreous cytology in diagnosing intraocular-CNS lymphoma and the differences in clinical features of patients with intraocular-CNS lymphoma and uveitis.

RESULTS

The two ocular pathologists concurred in their criteria for interpretation of all specimens. There was 100% concordance between the cytologic reports read independently by the two ocular pathologists over the 5-year period and the read-out done in a masked fashion at the time of the study. Ten patients were diagnosed with intraocular-CNS lymphoma based on the vitreous cytology and clinical features. The time interval between the initial presentation and vitreous biopsy was 1 week to 2 years, with 80% of the patients diagnosed within the first year. Retinal involvement in the form of lymphomatous subretinal pigment epithelial infiltrates, vasculitis, and apparent retinochoroiditis was present in six cases. Initial neuroimaging studies revealed concomitant CNS involvement in three patients, and an additional three developed CNS lymphoma following diagnosis by vitreous biopsy. Patients were treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or both. Two of the four patients with a follow-up of greater than 12 months died due to CNS involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitreous cytology is a sensitive, reliable, and reproducible method of diagnosing intraocular-CNS lymphoma. A high index of suspicion based on the clinical findings and course of the uveitis is critically important in decision-making for diagnostic vitrectomy. Central nervous system involvement is frequent and associated with a high mortality rate. Ophthalmology 1999;106:1805-1810

High-dose chemotherapy with carboplatin, etoposide and cyclophosphamide followed by a haematopoietic stem cell rescue in patients with high-risk retinoblastoma: a SFOP and SFGM study

This study investigates the role of high-dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell rescue as consolidation treatment in high-risk retinoblastoma (extraocular disease at diagnosis or relapse or invasion of cut end of optic nerve). 25 patients received high-dose chemotherapy including carboplatin (250 mg/m2/day from day 1 to day 5 for the 6 first patients and 350 mg/m2/day from day 1 to day 5 for the other patients), etoposide (350 mg/m2/day from day 1 to day 5) and cyclophosphamide (1.6 g/m2/day from day 2 to day 5) (CARBOPEC) followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell rescue. 19 patients received this drug combination for chemosensitive extraocular relapse. The other 6 patients with histological high-risk factors were given this treatment as consolidation after enucleation and conventional chemotherapy. The three year disease-free survival was 67.1%. In 7 of the 9 relapsing patients, the first site of relapse was the central nervous system. All patients with central nervous system disease died except one. The main toxicity was haematological and digestive (mucositis and diarrhoea). 2 of the 13 evaluable patients had grade III and IV ototoxicity. One patient experienced an acute grade I reversible cardiotoxicity. The CARBOPEC regimen seems to be a promising therapeutic strategy in patients with high-risk retinoblastoma, especially those with bone and/or bone marrow involvement. This treatment did not improve the outcome of patients with central nervous system disease.

Modern treatment of retinoblastoma: A 2020 review

Retinoblastoma management remains complex, requiring individualized treatment based on International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) staging, germline mutation status, family psychosocial factors and cultural beliefs, and available institutional resources. For this 2020 retinoblastoma review, PubMed was searched for articles dated as early as 1931, with an emphasis on articles from 1990 to the present day, using keywords of retinoblastoma, chemotherapy, intravenous chemotherapy, chemoreduction, intra-arterial chemotherapy, ophthalmic artery chemosurgery, intravitreal chemotherapy, intracameral chemotherapy, cryotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, laser, radiation, external beam radiotherapy, plaque radiotherapy, brachytherapy, and enucleation. We discuss current treatment modalities as used in the year 2020, including intravenous chemotherapy (IVC), intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC), intravitreal chemotherapy (IvitC), intracameral chemotherapy (IcamC), consolidation therapies (cryotherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy [TTT]), radiation-based therapies (external beam radiotherapy [EBRT] and plaque radiotherapy), and enucleation. Additionally, we present a consensus treatment algorithm based on the agreement of three North American retinoblastoma treatment centers, and encourage further collaboration amongst the world's most expert retinoblastoma treatment centers in order to develop consensus management plans and continue advancement in the identification and treatment of this childhood cancer.

Retinoblastoma, the visible CNS tumor: A review

The pediatric ocular cancer retinoblastoma is the only central nervous system (CNS) tumor readily observed without specialized equipment: it can be seen by, and in, the naked eye. This accessibility enables unique imaging modalities. Here, we review this cancer for a neuroscience audience, highlighting these clinical and research imaging options, including fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging. We also discuss the subtype of retinoblastoma driven by the MYCN oncogene more commonly associated with neuroblastoma, and consider trilateral retinoblastoma, in which an intracranial tumor arises along with ocular tumors in patients with germline RB1 gene mutations. Retinoblastoma research and clinical care can offer insights applicable to CNS malignancies, and also benefit from approaches developed elsewhere in the CNS.

How we diagnose and treat vitreoretinal lymphoma

The eye is a rare site for the development of malignant lymphoma. Based on cell type and involved intraocular structures, which as a whole represent an immune-privileged site, several subtypes of primary intraocular lymphoma need to be discerned. Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), the most common form, is an aggressive B-cell malignancy and considered a subtype of primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. Ocular symptoms are non-specific and often mimic uveitis, frequently resulting in delayed diagnosis. Bilateral ocular involvement and dissemination/relapse in the CNS are common. Diagnosis of PVRL is usually based on the analysis of vitreous biopsy material. In addition to cytological and immunocytochemical examination, measurements of cytokine levels and molecular determination of B-cell clonality and recurrent mutations increase the diagnostic yield. Both systemic chemotherapy and exclusively local treatment, including ocular radiotherapy and intravitreal chemotherapy, are successful approaches for the management of PVRL, although it is currently not predictable which patients require systemic treatment in order to avoid cerebral dissemination, a complication associated with a considerably worse prognosis.

Treatment of paraneoplastic visual loss with intravenous immunoglobulin: report of 3 cases

BACKGROUND

Paraneoplastic visual loss is an autoimmune disorder believed to be caused by the remote effects of cancer on the retina (cancer-associated retinopathy [CAR]) or optic nerve. Both disorders may result in rapid and complete blindness. Spontaneous recovery of vision has not been reported. The serum of patients with CAR contains autoantibodies against recoverin, enolase, or unidentified retinal proteins. Autopsy examination results of eyes of blind patients with CAR show complete absence of the retinal neurons involved in phototransduction. Corticosteroids and plasmapheresis are the only treatment options previously described.

OBJECTIVE

To treat paraneoplastic visual loss.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Three patients with metastatic cancer developed rapidly progressive loss of vision. The first patient had visual acuity of hand movements in each eye before intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. The second patient had visual acuity of light perception in both eyes. The third patient's visual acuity was 20/400 OD and 20/20 OS. Diagnostic tests included magnetic resonance imaging of the head and cytologic examination of the cerebrospinal fluid to exclude metastasis as the cause of visual loss and then an electroretinogram and serum tests for autoantibodies against retinal antigens to confirm the clinical diagnosis of CAR. Patients 1 and 2 were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (400 mg/kg per day) for 5 days; however, patient 3 received only a single dose due to adverse effects consisting of shortness of breath and itching.

RESULTS

Within 24 hours of taking the first dose of intravenous immunoglobulin, the visual acuity of patient 1 improved from hand movements only in both eyes to 20/50 OD and 20/200 OS. After the third day of treatment, visual acuity in the left eye further improved to 20/40. Even with the improved acuity, Goldmann visual field perimetry results showed poor responses in both eyes. However, 2 weeks later there was marked visual field improvement, and visual acuity was maintained at 20/50 OD and 20/40 OS. Patient 2 had no improvements and continued to have light perception in both eyes. Patient 3 had improvements in visual field defects but remained 20/400 OD and 20/20 OS.

CONCLUSION

Intravenous immunoglobulin may be another treatment option offered to patients with paraneoplastic visual loss in addition to corticosteroids or plasmapheresis because a review of the medical literature has shown no spontaneous improvements of visual function without treatment.

Retinoblastoma: one world, one vision

Retinoblastoma is curable when diagnosed early and treated appropriately; however, the prognosis is dismal when the basic elements of diagnosis and treatment are lacking. In developing countries, poor education, lower socioeconomic conditions, and inefficient health care systems result in delayed diagnosis and suboptimal care. Furthermore, the complexity of multidisciplinary care required is seldom possible. Whereas ocular salvage is a priority in the Western world, death from retinoblastoma is still a major problem in developing countries. To bring the 2 ends of this spectrum together and provide a forum for discussion, the "One World, One Vision" symposium was organized, at which clinicians and researchers from various cultural, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds converged to discuss their experiences. Strategies for early diagnosis in developing countries were discussed. Elements of the development of retinoblastoma centers in developing countries were discussed, and examples of successful programs were highlighted. An important component in this process is twinning between centers in developing countries and mentor institutions in high-income countries. Global initiatives by nongovernmental organizations such as the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, Orbis International, and the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness were presented. Treatment of retinoblastoma in developing countries remains a challenge; however, it is possible to coordinate efforts at multiple levels, including public administrations and nonprofit organizations, to improve the diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma and to improve the outcome for these children.

Response of retinoblastoma with vitreous tumor seeding to adenovirus-mediated delivery of thymidine kinase followed by ganciclovir

PURPOSE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of adenovirus-mediated gene therapy as a treatment for tumor seeds in the vitreous of children with retinoblastoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An Institutional Biosafety Committee-, Institutional Review Board-, Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee-, and US Food and Drug Administration-approved phase I study used intrapatient dose escalation of adenoviral vector containing a herpes simplex thymidine kinase gene (AdV-TK) followed by systemic administration of ganciclovir to treat bilateral retinoblastoma with vitreous tumor seeding refractory to standard therapies. Vitreous tumor seeds were treated by intravitreous injection of AdV-TK adjacent to disease sites. Each injection was followed by ganciclovir delivered intravenously every 12 hours for 7 days.

RESULTS

Eight patients with vitreous tumor seeds were enrolled. One patient who was treated with 10(8) viral particles (vp) had resolution of the tumor seeds around the injection site. The seven patients who were treated with doses > or = 10(10) vp had resolution of their vitreous tumor seeds documented by fundoscopy. Toxicity included mild inflammation at 10(10) vp and moderate inflammation, corneal edema, and increased intraocular pressure at 10(11) vp. One patient was free of active vitreous tumor seeds 38 months after therapy. There has been no evidence of extraocular spread of tumor along the needle tract in any patient.

CONCLUSION

AdV-TK followed by ganciclovir can be administered safely to children with retinoblastoma. Suicide gene therapy may contribute to the treatment of children with retinoblastoma tumor seeds in the vitreous, a resistant complication of retinoblastoma.

Vasoproliferative tumours of the retina

BACKGROUND

Vasoproliferative tumours of the retina (VPTR) are benign tumours of unknown origin, occurring mostly in otherwise healthy patients. VPTR may be associated with other chorioretinal diseases, such as uveitis. The tumours, which histologically represent reactive gliovascular proliferations, are characterised by a pink to yellow appearance on funduscopy and are accompanied by exudative and haemorrhagic changes of the retina.

METHODS

22 cases of VPTR in 21 patients were examined with a follow up period between 1 month and 6 years. Ophthalmological changes associated with VPTR were intraretinal and subretinal exudations (n=18), exudative detachments of the surrounding sensory retina (n=13), intraretinal and subretinal haemorrhages (n=10), exudative changes within the macula (n=10), hyperpigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium at the border of the exudative retinal changes (n=9), and vitreous haemorrhages (n=4). Tumour biopsy was performed in two cases. Treatment consisted of plaque radiotherapy (n=14), plaque radiotherapy and cryotherapy (two), cryotherapy only (two), observation (three), and enucleation in one case of a blind and painful eye.

RESULTS

Regression of the tumour and the associated exudative changes could be observed in all treated cases. Visual acuity at last follow up improved two lines or more in two cases, remained within two lines of the initial visual acuity in 15 cases, and worsened in the remaining five. Histopathological examination of the biopsy specimens and the tumour of the enucleated eye showed massive capillary proliferation with perivascular spindle-shaped glial cells of retinal origin.

CONCLUSION

The correct diagnosis of VPTR is of importance as these lesions may lead to visual loss. Further, VPTR must be differentiated from angiomas associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease as well as from ocular and systemic malignancies. Regression of tumour thickness and associated retinal changes can be achieved with brachytherapy or cryotherapy.

Thermotherapy for retinoblastoma

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of thermotherapy for retinoblastoma.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized analysis of the treatment method.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 188 retinoblastomas in 80 eyes of 58 patients who were treated with thermotherapy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Tumor response and ocular adverse effects.

RESULTS

Of 188 retinoblastomas treated with thermotherapy, mean tumor base was 3.0 mm and tumor thickness was 2.0 mm. Complete tumor regression was achieved in 161 tumors (85.6%), and 27 tumors (14.4%) developed recurrence. Using univariate analysis, the predictors of local tumor recurrence were male sex (P = .005), no color change ("no visible take") in tumor after treatment (P = .01), increasing number of treatment sessions (P = .002), and previous use of chemoreduction (P = .02). By multivariate analysis, the most important predictors of local tumor recurrence were male sex (P = .01) and previous use of chemoreduction (P = .03), the latter likely reflecting the fact that these tumors were initially larger with more ominous findings, and required chemoreduction therapy to reduce them to a size amenable to focal treatment with thermotherapy. When evaluating thermotherapy variables as a function of tumor size, it was apparent that larger tumors (> or =3.0-mm base) required greater energy and time than did smaller tumors (<3.0-mm base). Comparison of treatment variables for larger vs smaller tumors was as follows: number of treatment sessions, 3.3 vs 2.3; spot size, 1.7 vs 1.3 mm; power, 540 vs 370 mW; treatment duration, 49 vs 14 minutes; and coupling of thermotherapy with chemotherapy, 79% vs 48% of cases (P < or =.001 for each variable). Complications of thermotherapy in the 80 eyes included focal iris atrophy in 29 eyes (36%), peripheral focal lens opacity in 19 eyes (24%), retinal traction in 4 eyes (5%), retinal vascular obstruction in 2 eyes (2%), and transient localized serous retinal detachment in 2 eyes (2%). There were no cases of corneal scarring, central lens opacity, iris or retinal neovascularization, or rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. All eyes with focal lens opacity demonstrated adjacent focal iris atrophy. By multivariate analysis, the predictors of thermotherapy-induced focal iris atrophy were increasing number of treatment sessions (P = .001) and increasing tumor base (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Thermotherapy is used for relatively small retinoblastomas without associated vitreous or subretinal seeds. This treatment provides satisfactory control for selected retinoblastomas, with 86% of tumors demonstrating lasting regression. Tumors that measure 3.0 mm or larger in base at the time of thermotherapy require more intense treatment than smaller tumors and are at greatest risk for ocular complications such as focal iris atrophy and focal paraxial lens opacity.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common neoplasm of the eye in childhood, and represents 3% of all childhood malignancies. Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the very young; two-thirds are diagnosed before 2 years of age and 95% before 5 years. Retinoblastoma presents in 2 distinct clinical forms: (1) a bilateral or multifocal, heritable form (25% of all cases), characterized by the presence of germline mutations of the RB1 gene; and (2) a unilateral or unifocal form (75% of all cases), 90% of which are nonhereditary. The treatment of retinoblastoma is multidisciplinary and is designed primarily to save life and preserve vision.

A multicentre report from the Mexican Retinoblastoma Group

BACKGROUND

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a relatively uncommon tumour in childhood. The incidence of retinoblastoma in Mexico is probably higher than the incidence reported worldwide, however there is not enough information about the characteristics of this illness in Mexico. This report aims to present the results of a multicentre clinical survey of RB in Mexico.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out on all RB cases treated in 16 institutions during the last six years. The variables analysed were age at diagnosis, sex, affected eyes, treatment modalities, and pathological staging. Overall survival was obtained.

RESULTS

The authors analysed 500 cases; age range was 0-182 months. There were 364 unilateral cases (72.8%). Enucleation was performed in 84.9% of the patients. The St Jude's staging was: 7.4% stage I, 52.8% stage II, 18.0% stage III, 11.4% stage IV, 7.2% not evaluated, and 3.2% missing data. Chemotherapy was used in 74.4% of the patients. Disease free survival was 89% at 73 months follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

The paper presents a great number of cases and pioneers multicentre studies in paediatric ophthalmology and oncology in this country. Given the great number of patients in advanced stages and the variability on treatment schemes, it is evident that it is mandatory to work in a cooperative group and develop a national early detection programme as well as a treatment protocol which include all specialists involved in the care of patients with RB.

Diagnosis and current management of retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma represents the prototypic model for inherited cancers. The RB1 gene was the first tumor suppressor gene to be identified. It represents the most frequent primary eye cancer in children under 15 years old, habitually occurring in infancy, even in utero, but can be observed in older children or young adults. Many other retinal lesions may also simulate retinoblastoma. The two major presenting signs are leukocoria and strabismus, but other ocular or general signs may be observed. A highly malignant tumor, retinoblastoma can nowadays be cured. The heritable form, however, carries a high risk of second nonocular tumors. Treatment in the early stages of disease holds a good prognosis for survival and salvage of visual function. In very late stages, however, the prognosis for ocular function and even survival is jeopardized.

Variations in the presentation of primary intraocular lymphoma: case reports and a review

Primary intraocular lymphoma is a distinct subset of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the central nervous system (CNS). Diagnosis can be difficult and is often delayed, as the clinical presentation can mimic a number of other ocular conditions. This report describes four different presentations of intraocular lymphoma and focuses on its modes of clinical presentation. Primary intraocular lymphoma can present with a wide variety of manifestations frequently mimicking diffuse uveitis that is refractory to corticosteroids. Subretinal pigment epithelium tumors may be seen. However, other presentations may include multiple deep white dots in the retina secondary to tumor infiltration; retinal infiltration, causing a necrotizing retinitis; or infiltration of the retinal vasculature, causing arterial or venous obstruction. Finally, optic nerve invasion may be seen. CNS lymphoma develops in the majority of patients before, in conjunction with, or after the development of eye disease. Intraocular lymphoma often has a fatal outcome, but recognition of its modes of presentation facilitates early diagnosis and treatment that may improve prognosis.

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy of childhood. It typically presents with leukocoria or strabismus. In later stages of the disease, the child may exhibit proptosis, buphthalmos, or hypopyon. The pathognomonic molecular aberration is a loss of function mutation in the RB1 gene on chromosome 13q. The degree of tumor involvement within the eye is defined by its group. Grouping was historically done with Reese-Ellsworth System. Recent therapeutic advances have led to the development of a new grouping system, the International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB). In cases of extraocular extension and metastatic disease, the degree of tumor involvement outside of the eye is defined by its stage. Retinoblastoma is staged using the International Retinoblastoma Staging System (IRSS). Children with intraocular retinoblastoma have an excellent overall and ocular survival. In order to avoid the morbidity of enucleation and external beam radiation, treatments for isolated intraocular retinoblastoma have progressively moved toward targeted local modalities. Patients with extraocular involvement, such as those with trilateral retinoblastoma, have a poorer prognosis. The majority of these higher stage patients are now able to be cured with combination chemotherapy.

Vitrectomy in eyes with unsuspected retinoblastoma

OBJECTIVE

To analyze patient management and prognosis after vitrectomy in eyes with unsuspected retinoblastoma.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven consecutive patients who had undergone vitrectomy on an eye with unsuspected retinoblastoma.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The two main outcome measures were ultimate patient management and the development of retinoblastoma metastasis.

RESULTS

Of more than 900 consecutive patients with retinoblastoma managed on the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, 11 (1%) had prior vitrectomy in an eye with viable tumor before referral to us for suspected retinoblastoma. The main preoperative diagnoses included vitreous hemorrhage in seven patients (64%), toxocariasis in two patients (18%), toxoplasmosis in one patient (9%), and endophthalmitis in one patient (9%). In no case was retinoblastoma suspected before vitrectomy. The mean patient age at vitrectomy was 6 years. Retinoblastoma was later suspected during vitrectomy in two patients (18%), on cytologic examination of the vitrectomy specimen in eight patients (73%), and after referral in one patient (9%). The mean interval between vitrectomy and referral to us was 23 days. On examination, the globe was classified as Reese-Ellsworth group Vb in all 11 patients (100%). Anterior chamber tumor cells were clinically visible in four eyes (36%), hyphema in two eyes (18%), and iris neovascularization in two eyes (18%). Retinoblastoma cells were visualized in the vitreous in seven eyes (64%) and not visualized in four eyes (36%) that had vitreous blood. Enucleation was necessary in all 11 patients (100%). Adjuvant treatment was delivered in 10 patients (91%), using orbital radiotherapy in nine patients (82%) and chemotherapy in nine patients (82%). Histopathologic evidence of retinoblastoma invasion was documented in the episclera (two eyes; 18%), anterior chamber (seven eyes; 64%), iris (five eyes; 45%), ciliary body (five eyes; 45%), choroid (three eyes; 27%), and optic nerve (four eyes; 36%; prelaminar, two eyes; postlaminar, two eyes). The vitrectomy ports, Tenon's fascia, cut end of the optic nerve, and orbit were free of tumor. Of the 10 patients who received prophylactic chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both in addition to enucleation for prevention of retinoblastoma metastasis, none (0%) experienced metastasis or orbital recurrence during the mean follow-up of 7 years (range, 0.2-24 years) from the time of retinoblastoma diagnosis. However, one patient was referred to us after the development of metastatic retinoblastoma, and despite aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy after enucleation, died 24 months later.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinoblastoma may present with atypical features such as vitreous hemorrhage or signs of vitreous inflammation, particularly in older children. Vitrectomy should be avoided in these cases until the possibility of underlying retinoblastoma is excluded. If vitrectomy is performed in an eye with unsuspected retinoblastoma, enucleation combined with adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both without delay is advised to prevent systemic tumor dissemination.

Delay in diagnosis of retinoblastoma: risk factors and treatment outcome

BACKGROUND

Delay in diagnosis of retinoblastoma causes considerable parental distress; however, the primary healthcare professional (PHP) may have difficulty detecting the most common presenting symptom-leucocoria. Alternatively, the PHP may not appreciate that retinoblastoma is the pathology underlying more common ocular symptoms in infants and young children.

METHOD

The parents of 100 recently diagnosed patients with retinoblastoma were interviewed to establish the extent of diagnostic delay, ascertain any associated risk factors, and to determine whether or not delay influenced treatment outcome.

RESULTS

Although nearly 50% of patients were referred to an ophthalmologist within 1 week of first consulting a PHP, one quarter waited more than 8 weeks. There was a significantly increased risk of diagnostic delay in younger patients, those presenting with squint rather than leucocoria, and those first presenting to a health visitor rather than to a general practitioner. The risk of local tumour invasion was significantly increased by diagnostic delay. Treatment with primary enucleation was not increased by diagnostic delay. There were no deaths during the study period.

CONCLUSION

Primary healthcare professionals require education about the importance of ocular symptoms, especially squint, in paediatric patients.

Management of intraocular retinoblastoma and ocular prognosis

Current management modalities for intraocular retinoblastoma, their indications, and ocular prognosis are reviewed. Enucleation, external beam radiotherapy, plaque radiotherapy, laser photocoagulation and hyperthermia, and cryotherapy are the modalities generally employed. Recently, neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been introduced for retinoblastoma to avoid external beam radiotherapy. New treatment modalities such as subconjunctival injection, selective ophthalmic artery injection, and vitreous injection are being investigated and have achieved favorable results. Although many modalities are employed, almost half of retinoblastoma eyes have to be enucleated. New treatment modalities are expected.