Retinoblastoma

What is retinoblastoma (RB)?

Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer of the eye that typically affects children between birth and five years of age. The retinoblastoma tumour begins in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of the eye that makes you see. Most retinoblastomas happen in one eye only, but it is possible for them to affect both eyes.¹ From 1992 to 2010, there were around 11.58 cases of retinoblastoma each year for every one million Canadian children under five years old.²

What are the signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma?

Parents are usually the first to notice signs and symptoms of retinoblastoma.³ The most common signs and symptoms to look for are:

• whiteness reflected in the pupil of the eye, particularly noticeable when the pupil is dilated (leukocoria) and
• inward or outward turning of the eye (strabismus).⁴

Rare signs and symptoms include:

• redness and/or swelling of the eye and 
• reduced vision.⁵

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, you should bring them to an optometrist or get a referral to an ophthalmologist right away. These signs don't mean your child has retinoblastoma but checking them out is important.

How is retinoblastoma treated?

Treatment for retinoblastoma can include:

• cryotherapy,
• thermotherapy,
• chemotherapy,
• radiation therapy and/or
• surgery to remove the eye.

Fortunately, treatment for retinoblastoma has improved over the years, and deaths from retinoblastoma are rare. In high-income countries like Canada, the 5-year survival rate of retinoblastoma for children is 99%.⁶

Remember to bring your child to the optometrist for regular comprehensive eye examinations and consult your optometrist if you notice any changes in your child’s eye health or vision.

¹ Darwich, R., Ghazawi, F. M., Rahme, E., Alghazawi, N., Burnier, J. V., Sasseville, D., ... & Litvinov, I. V. (2019). Retinoblastoma incidence trends in Canada: a national comprehensive population-based study. Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, 56(2), 124-130. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Litvinov/publication/33188010…;

² Darwich, R., Ghazawi, F. M., Rahme, E., Alghazawi, N., Burnier, J. V., Sasseville, D., ... & Litvinov, I. V. (2019). Retinoblastoma incidence trends in Canada: a national comprehensive population-based study. Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, 56(2), 124-130. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Litvinov/publication/33188010…;

³Gallie, B., Gronsdahl, P., Dimaras, H., Weizblit, N., Astle, W., & Bendali, N. (2009). National retinoblastoma strategy Canadian guidelines for care. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 44(2). S9-S47. Available from: https://www.orpha.net/data/patho/Pro/en/retinoblastoma_canadian_guideli…;

⁴Gallie, B., Gronsdahl, P., Dimaras, H., Weizblit, N., Astle, W., & Bendali, N. (2009). National retinoblastoma strategy Canadian guidelines for care. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 44(2). S9-S47. Available from: https://www.orpha.net/data/patho/Pro/en/retinoblastoma_canadian_guideli…;

⁵Gallie, B., Gronsdahl, P., Dimaras, H., Weizblit, N., Astle, W., & Bendali, N. (2009). National retinoblastoma strategy Canadian guidelines for care. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, 44(2). S9-S47. Available from: https://www.orpha.net/data/patho/Pro/en/retinoblastoma_canadian_guideli…;

⁶Fabian, I. D., Abdallah, E., Abdullahi, S. U., Abdulqader, R. A., Abdulrahaman, A. A., Abouelnaga, S., ... & Ghassemi, F. (2022). The global retinoblastoma outcome study: a prospective, cluster-based analysis of 4064 patients from 149 countries. The Lancet Global Health, 10(8), e1128-e1140. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-109X(22)0025…;