Late presentation of retinoblastoma in Malaysia.
OBJECTIVE
The aims of this study were to review the presenting features, treatment and outcome for Malaysian children with retinoblastoma currently.


METHODS
This was a prospective study, conducted at the General Hospital Kuala Lumpur from August 2001 until October 2007. Clinical data were collected at presentation and follow-up.


RESULTS
One hundred five children were diagnosed to have retinoblastoma. There were 55 males and 50 females, ranging in age from 1 month to 14 years (median 20 months). Seventy-six children were Malay in ethnic origin (73%), 14 Chinese (13%), 12 Indian (11%), and other races (3%). Sixty-four children presented with leukocoria (61%), followed by 23 with proptosis (22%), 13 with squint (12%), and 3 with orbital cellulitis (3%). Thirty-three children (31%) deferred treatment for 6 months or more. Overall, 56 children had extraocular disease (55%), 52 at presentation, 4 later. Seventy-one children (68%) underwent primary enucleation, 76 received chemotherapy (72%), and 23 radiotherapy (22%). Fifty-seven children are alive (54%), of whom 3 are blind (5%). Twenty-seven children were lost to follow-up (26%) and 21 have died (20%).


CONCLUSIONS
Retinoblastoma in Malaysia is still characterized by predominantly extraocular disease due to late presentation and high rates of abandonment.
Department of Paediatrics, Universiti Putra, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. drmenon2003@hotmail.com
Bina S
BS
Menon
Joseph
J
Alagaratnam
Eni
E
Juraida
Mahfuzah
M
Mohamed
Hishamshah
H
Ibrahim
Nyi Nyi
NN
Naing
D000293:Adolescent; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005006:Ethnicity; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000209:etiology; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008296:Malaysia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D054517:Orbital Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011878:Radiotherapy; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D013285:Strabismus / Q000209:etiology; D015996:Survival Rate
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents