Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Retinoblastoma in Korea

Background/aims: To analyse the clinical manifestations and results of treatment for patients with retinoblastoma in Korea.

Methods: The medical records of 70 children (92 eyes) diagnosed as having retinoblastoma and treated between 2000 and 2006 were retrospectively analysed. Data on gender, age at diagnosis, laterality, presenting sign, classification of tumour, treatment modality and prognosis were collected.

Results: The most common presenting sign was leucocoria (80%). 31.4% developed bilateral retinoblastoma. Using the International Classification of Retinoblastoma, 7.5% were group A, 23.8% were group B, 6.3% were group C, 38.8% were group D, and 23.8% were group E. 26.1% of eyes were treated with chemoreduction and/or focal therapy, namely, they achieved globe preservation, and all other eyes were enucleated. The globe preservation was achieved in 100% of group A, 77.8% of group B, 66.7% of group C, and 26.7% of group D.

Conclusions: In Korea, most children with retinoblastoma showed an advanced stage of tumour at the time of diagnosis and although they were treated with an updated therapeutic approach according to the newly introduced classification, the rate of globe preservation did not reach that of developed countries. Increased surveillance should be performed.