Abstract

SCHWARTZ, Laura. Information on late effects and  future risks for retinoblastoma survivors. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2005, vol.65, n.2, pp.159-162. ISSN 0025-7680.

The survival rates of childhood cancer have increased in the past few decades. Late consequences related to the cancer and the treatment are observed. The late effects in retinoblastoma survivors are related to the surgery, the radiotherapy and the chemotherapy. Patients with irradiated bilateral retinoblastoma are at high risk to develop a second cancer. Survivors of bilateral or unilateral forms could transmit this disease to their offspring. The diagnosis of retinoblastoma is exceptional after 4 years of age, and it is not clear whether these survivors have knowledge of their diagnosis, treatment and future risks. The informed consent and the summary of the clinical histories do not help to clarify the situation. It will be of great benefit for the patients cured of retinoblastoma to have a long-term follow-up in the institution that treated them and to receive information about the disease, the treatment and the future risks.

Keywords : retinoblastoma; late effects; risks.

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