A multicentre report from the Mexican Retinoblastoma Group

• Published in: British journal of ophthalmology Vol. 88; no. 8; pp. 1074 - 1077
• Main Authors: Leal-Leal, C, Flores-Rojo, M, Medina-Sansón, A, Cerecedo-Díaz, F, Sánchez-Félix, S, González-Ramella, O, Pérez-Pérez, F, Gómez-Martínez, R, Quero-Hernández, A, Altamirano-Álvarez, E, Alejo-González, F, Figueroa-Carbajal, J, Ellis-Irigoyen, A, Tejocote-Romero, I, Cervantes-Paz, R, Pantoja-Guillén, F, Vega-Vega, L, Carrete-Ramírez, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JR BMJ Publishing Group Ltd 01-08-2004; BMJ; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; Copyright 2004 British Journal of Ophthalmology
• Subjects: Adolescent; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Science - Extended Reports; Eye Enucleation; Female; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Medical sciences; Mexico; Mexico - epidemiology; multicentre; Neoplasm Staging; Ophthalmology; Retinal Neoplasms - epidemiology; Retinal Neoplasms - mortality; Retinal Neoplasms - therapy; retinoblastoma; Retinoblastoma - epidemiology; Retinoblastoma - mortality; Retinoblastoma - therapy; Retinopathies; Retrospective Studies; Sex Distribution; Tumors and pseudotumors of the eye, orbit, eyelid, lacrimal apparatus; Mexico; Human; Eye disease; Nervous system diseases; Retinopathy; Report; Malignant tumor; Ophthalmology; Retinoblastoma; Child
• ISSN: 0007-1161; 1468-2079
• DOI: 10.1136/bjo.2003.035642

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.