Retinoblastoma in the Southern Philippines: Clinical Outcomes of Retinoblastoma Patients in a Davao Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background. Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer in childhood in the Philippines. Most data
though on demographics, clinical profile, treatment options, and outcomes in the country are from the National
Capital Region.

Objectives. This study aimed to describe the demographics, clinical profile, treatment done, and outcomes of
retinoblastoma patients seen in a public tertiary referral center in Davao from 2011-2020 to make available literature more representative of the status of retinoblastoma in the Philippines.

Methods. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the records of retinoblastoma patients seen in a tertiary government hospital located in Davao Region from January 2011 to December 2020.

Results. There were 157 patients included in the analysis. Seventy-three (46%) were female with 44% coming from the Davao Region. One hundred seven (69%) patients had unilateral disease. Median age at initial consultation for patients with unilateral disease was significantly older than those with bilateral disease (p<0.003). Tumors were extraocular in 82 (40%) eyes. In the intraocular group, 36% of the eyes belonged to International Classification of Retinoblastoma (ICRB) Groups D and E. Enucleation was the most commonly performed treatment. Survival rate was 28%.

This is the first report to provide epidemiologic and clinical data on retinoblastoma in the literature, including survival data, from Mindanao. Advanced stages and extraocular cases of retinoblastoma remain high. Delay of consultation contributed to the prognosis and clinical outcome of the disease.

Conclusion. Advanced stages and extraocular cases of retinoblastoma remain significantly high in the country, even in Mindanao.

 treatment, outcomes, survival rate, Mindanao