Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that affects young children, usually under the age of 5. It is caused by a mutation in the retinoblastoma gene and symptoms can include eye movement issues, redness, differences in pupil size or iris color. Early diagnosis is key, as untreated retinoblastoma is fatal. Treatment options include chemotherapy, cryotherapy, eye removal, radiation therapy, laser treatment and have improved survival rates to over 90%.

1. Retinoblastoma

2. What is Retinoblastoma ? “ Retinoblastoma is a disease that causes the growth of malignant tumors in the retinal cell layer of the eye.” (3) It is the most common eye tumor in children.

3. Symptoms of Retinoblastoma Problems with eye movements (crossed eyes). A persistent red irritation in the eye. Differences in pupil size, iris color, abnormal eye movements, bulging forward of the eyes, tearing, and cataract. “ A white spot on the pupil of the eye.”(2)

4. What Causes Retinoblastoma ? Retinoblastoma is caused by a mutation on the 13 th chromosome. “ Possibly environmental factors increase mutational events at the retinoblastoma gene locus.” (2)

5. Diagnosis Untreated, Retinoblastoma is almost always fatal. Early examination is key to survival.

6. The Prevalence of Retinoblastoma Retinoblastoma is a childhood disease. There is no known sex or racial predilection. “ Retinoblastoma affects 1 child for every 15,000 live births.” (1) 250-350 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S., 90% of which occur before the age of five. Retinoblastoma can be either a hereditary or non-hereditary disease

7. Treatments (4) Chemotherapy Cryotherapy (freezing treatment) Enucleation ( removal of the eye) External beam radiation therapy (radiation treatment) Localized plaque radiation therapy (radiation therapy) Photocoagulation (laser treatment)

8. Prognosis The survival rate for Retinoblastoma patients is more than 90%. This is attributed to earlier diagnosis and improved methods of treatment.

9. Sources: 1. Early detection is key to retinoblastoma management. Ophthamology Times , 06/15/2001, Bol.26 Issue 12, p9, 2p, Murray,Timothy G ;. Ho, Allen C. 2. Medicine for the Public; The Genetics of Cancer , 1993, Vol.90 Issue 3056, p1,16p, 3 charts, 10bw

10. Sources: 3. Retinoblastoma; http://www.dyo.harvard.deu/meei/P1/RB/RB.html 4. Retinoblastoma; http://www.meb.uni-bonn.de/cancernet/100993.html#8_TREATMENTOPTIONOVERVIEW