Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with retinoblastoma: 8-year follow-up

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential correlation between clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with retinoblastoma (Rb). Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 314 Rb patients. Clinical data including laterality of eyes, sex, age, presenting signs, lag time, and survival were recorded and analyzed. Results: Leukocoria is the most common clinical presentation of Rb. Patients with isolated leukocoria had shorter lag time and exhibited a high survival rate (85%, 5 years). Patients with strabismus and blurred vision, and who were older and had longer lag time, exhibited an excellent survival rate (100% and 92.3%, respectively, 5 years). Patients with exophthalmos had the longest lag time and the lowest survival rate (17.8%, 5 years). The 5-year survival rate of patients with a lag time of <= 6 months was 84.7%, which was significantly higher than that of patients with a lag time of >6 months (64.7%). Conclusion: Leukocoria, strabismus, and blurred vision are mild clinical manifestations of Rb that are associated with better disease prognosis, whereas exophthalmos is an indicator of poor prognosis. Long lag time is a risk factor for the survival of Rb, which can be avoided. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve the survival of Rb patients.