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Outcome of retinoblastoma in east Africa
Author(s) -
Bowman R.J.C.,
Mafwiri M.,
Luthert P.,
Luande J.,
Wood M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.21080
Subject(s) - medicine , retinoblastoma , tanzania , presentation (obstetrics) , pediatrics , blood cancer , retrospective cohort study , cancer , surgery , biochemistry , chemistry , environmental science , environmental planning , gene
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) = 17) and mean follow‐up was 8 months (SD = 11, range 0–40, n = 91). Thirty months disease‐free survival probability was 0.23 (standard error = 0.07). Outcomes for retinoblastoma in Africa remain poor. The data presented here suggest strategies for improving the outcomes, including encouraging earlier presentation and establishment of multi‐disciplinary treatment centers. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:160–162. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.