A modified system of classification of retinoblastoma and its role in diagnosis, therapy and prognosis
- Author:
Espiritu Romeo B
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Human;
Aged;
Middle Aged;
Adult;
RETINOBLASTOMA;
GENES, RETINOBLASTOMA
- From:
Philippine Journal of Ophthalmology
2003;28(2):101-110
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
There is no international classification of retinoblastoma that can satisfactorily address the need to aid in the diagnosis, therapy and the prognosis, both visual and systemic, of our retinoblastoma patients. The Reese-Ellsworth Classification, adopted in the 1950s is still the one being followed today. Its usefulness is limited to visual and systemic prognosis especially with the use of External Beam Radiation (EBR) and nitrogen mustard chemotherapy which were the only means of therapy available at those times. The Essen Classification, which was introduced later, provided only additional ocular findings that just addressed mainly the visual and systemic prognosis This modified classification is proposed to precisely meet the need of the general ophthalmologist to diagnose the tumor, get guidelines in its therapy, and have an idea of its visual and systemic prognosis. This is based on new knowledge gained about the tumor and advances in technology, which have resulted in more efficient diagnostic equipment and newer modes of therapy. The added years of follow-up also makes prognostication more reliable Hopefully also, if it is ever adopted internationally, it can make research studies done worldwide more comparable.
