Metastases of the Retinoblastoma to the Central Nervous System

Abstract

Retinoblastoma is a highly malignant neoplasm which originates from the neuroectodermal elements of the retina. In a proportion of cases, the tumor is congenital and it may be detected during the early months of life by clinical means. However, the commonest time when definitive diagnosis is made is about 2 years of age. The incidence of retinoblastoma was estimated by Weller¹ as 1 in 34,000 births. The main principles of treatment consist of enucleation of the eye followed by radiation or radiotherapy alone. The true rate of complete recovery after institution of treatment is difficult to assess. In many of the published reports the authors do not follow their patients for a sufficient length of time to permit comprehensive evaluation. We have attempted to review the literature published since 1945 of the documented cases of retinoblastoma that have been adequately followed. The criteria for accepting the reports required that