Outcome of retinoblastoma in east Africa

Abstract

We estimated the proportion of patients reaching a pediatric ophthalmology unit (Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation for Tanzania Disability Hospital, CCBRT) or an oncology unit (ORCI) in east Africa and investigated presentation, histology, and treatment outcomes of patients with retinoblastoma. A 5-year retrospective study identified 91 patients, representing approximately 18% of the nationwide total. Mean lag time was 10 months (standard deviation (SD)¼17) and mean follow-up was 8 months (SD¼11, range 0–40, n¼91). Thirty months disease-free survival probability was 0.23 (standard error¼0.07). Outcomes for retinoblastoma in Africa remain poor. The data presented here suggest strategies for improving the outcomes, including encouraging earlier presentation and establishment ofmulti-disciplinary treatment centers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:160–162. 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc