Retinoblastoma: A review

Retinoblastoma (RB) is a neoplasm of retinal origin and one of the life threatening paediatric ophthalmic conditions. Most common clinical presentations include leukocoria and strabismus. Diagnosis is made by indirect ophthalmoscopy aided by imaging techniques. The treatment of retinoblastoma is multidisciplinary and is aimed at saving lives, salvaging the globe and maintaining good vision. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and focal treatments, such as laser photocoagulation, thermotherapy, cry therapy, and plaque radiotherapy are major globe preserving treatments in retinoblastoma. Mutation of the RB1 gene is one of the key factors in its initiation. There is considerable increase in knowledge regarding molecular pathology of this disease in recent years and the role of RB1 and other genes has also been hypothesized. However, a method of early detection still remains a challenge and is area of future research. Present review aims to summarize important aspects of retinoblastoma including its molecular genetics. Keywords: Paediatric oncology, RB1, Retinoblastoma