Adjuvant therapy of histopathological risk factors of retinoblastoma in Europe: A survey by the European Retinoblastoma Group (EURbG)

Sabine Dittner-Moormann, Madlen Reschke, Floor C. H. Abbink, Isabelle Aerts, Hatice Tuba Atalay, Nadezhda Fedorovna Bobrova, Eva Biewald, Ines B. Brecht, Shani Caspi, Nathalie Cassoux, Guilherme Castela, Yelena Diarra, Catriona Duncan, Martin Ebinger, David Garcia Aldana, Doris Hadjistilianou, Tomáš Kepák, Artur Klett, Hayyam Kiratli, Erika MakaEnrico Opocher, Katarzyna Pawinska-Wasikowska, Jelena Rascon, Ida Russo, Olga Rutynowska-Pronicka, Constantino Sábado Álvarez, Sonsoles San Roman Pacheco, Karel Svojgr, Beate Timmermann, Vicktoria Vishnevskia-Dai, Angelika Eggert, Petra Ritter-Sovinz, Nikolaos E. Bechrakis, Helen Jenkinson, Annette Moll, Francis L. Munier, Maja Beck Popovic, Guillermo Chantada, François Doz, Petra Ketteler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: Advanced intraocular retinoblastoma can be cured by enucleation, but spread of retinoblastoma cells beyond the natural limits of the eye is related to a high mortality. Adjuvant therapy after enucleation has been shown to prevent metastasis in children with risk factors for extraocular retinoblastoma. However, histological criteria and adjuvant treatment regimens vary and there is no unifying consensus on the optimal choice of treatment. Method: Data on guidelines for adjuvant treatment in European retinoblastoma referral centres were collected in an online survey among all members of the European Retinoblastoma Group (EURbG) network. Extended information was gathered via personal email communication. Results: Data were collected from 26 centres in 17 countries. Guidelines for adjuvant treatment were in place at 92.3% of retinoblastoma centres. There was a consensus on indication for and intensity of adjuvant treatment among more than 80% of all centres. The majority of centres use no adjuvant treatment for isolated focal choroidal invasion or prelaminar optic nerve invasion. Patients with massive choroidal invasion or postlaminar optic nerve invasion receive adjuvant chemotherapy, while microscopic invasion of the resection margin of the optic nerve or extension through the sclera are treated with combined chemo- and radiotherapy. Conclusion: Indications and adjuvant treatment regimens in European retinoblastoma referral centres are similar but not uniform. Further biomarkers in addition to histopathological risk factors could improve treatment stratification. The high consensus in European centres is an excellent foundation for a common European study with prospective validation of new biomarkers.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere28963
JournalPediatric Blood and Cancer
Volume68
Issue number6
Early online date2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2021

Keywords

  • RB1 gene
  • biomarker
  • chemotherapy
  • childhood cancer
  • metastasis
  • radiotherapy

Cite this