Retinoblastoma in Hong Kong from 2008 to 2019: looking back and moving forward

Authors

  • Emily Suhan Wong Hong Kong Eye Hospital The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Alison Yin Yung Chan Hong Kong Eye Hospital The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Carol Po Sang Lam Hong Kong Eye Hospital The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Winnie Wai Ying Lau The Hong Kong Ophthalmic Associates
  • Jason Cheuk Sing Yam Hong Kong Eye Hospital The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Christopher Bing On Yu Premiere Medical Centre

Keywords:

Eye enucleation, Hong Kong, Incidence, Retinoblastoma, Treatment outcome

Abstract

Purpose: To report the incidence, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of retinoblastoma at a tertiary referral center in Hong Kong.

Methods: Medical records of all patients with retinoblastoma presenting to Hong Kong Eye Hospital from 2008 to 2019 were reviewed.

Results: 75 eyes in 55 patients were treated for retinoblastoma during the 10-year study period. The mean age at presentation was 19.8±16.4 months. The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 1.1±2.1 months. The most common presenting sign was leukocoria and/or strabismus (n=33, 60.1%). 65% of patients presented with advanced disease of groups D and E. The tumor was unilateral (n=35, 63.6%), bilateral (n=18, 32.7%), or trilateral (n=2, 3.6%). The enucleation rate was 0% in groups A to C, 70% in group D, and 93.3% in group E. With the introduction of intra-arterial chemotherapy since 2016, the globe salvage rate has increased from 29.4% to 33.3% in group D eyes and from 4.5% to 12.5% in group E eyes. The overall globe salvage rate was 40.0%, and the overall 5-year survival rate was 100%.

Conclusions: The prognosis of retinoblastoma is good in cases with early detection and appropriate treatment. Unfortunately, most patients presented with relatively advanced disease, which lowers the overall globe salvage rate. There is a need for enhanced public awareness and education for healthcare professionals to facilitate early detection and improve ocular outcomes for children with retinoblastoma.

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Published

2020-06-23

How to Cite

1.
Wong ES, Chan AYY, Lam CPS, Lau WWY, Yam JCS, Yu CBO. Retinoblastoma in Hong Kong from 2008 to 2019: looking back and moving forward. Hong Kong J Ophthalmol [Internet]. 2020Jun.23 [cited 2024Mar.29];24(1):6-10. Available from: https://www.hkjo.hk/index.php/hkjo/article/view/270

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