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.