The role of radiation therapy in retinoblastoma.

ABSTRACT

Retinoblastoma is the most common eye malignancy in Southeast Asia. In the early stage of the disease, photocoagulation, cryotherapy combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy not only preserve vision but also preserve life. In advanced cases, the patient almost always refuses treatment when they are told to have enucleation and this leads them to more severe disease with distant metastasis. Nevertheless, even in such a poor condition, this report has shown several cases with very poor prognostic factors but effective radiation, chemotherapy after surgery still provided a very good outcome. Thus, the public should be educated that this disease can be cured even in the advanced stage. Early detection for the sake of vision and quality of life is the future intent. In the near future, it is hoped that fewer patients will refuse treatment or be lost to follow-up because of their ignorance and poverty.