Retinoblastoma in Jordan: An epidemiological study (2006-2010)

• Main Authors: Ibrahim Alnawaiseh, Imad Jaradat, Yacoub A. Yousef, Mustafa Mehyar, Iyad Sultan, Samer Khurma, Khalil Al-Rawashded, Matt Wilson, Ibrahim Qaddoumi, Ahmed Salem
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2011-07-01
• Series: Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Therapy
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658387611500251

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The epidemiological characteristics of retinoblastoma have been extensively studied in developed countries, however epidemiological data is scarce in the Middle East. We present a detailed epidemiological analysis of retinoblastoma in Jordan in an attempt to aid national and regional strategies for improved cancer surveillance and control. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of retinoblastoma cases presenting to the sole and exclusive ocular oncology referral center in Jordan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty children (59 eyes) presenting with clinically and/or histologically confirmed retinoblastomas were treated at King Hussein Cancer Center (Amman, Jordan) between January 2006 and December 2010. This case series included 28 boys and 12 girls. Data relating to age at diagnosis, laterality, gender, treatment modality and survival were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age-adjusted incidence of retinoblastoma in Jordan was 9.32 cases per million children per year for children aged 0-5 years. The male: female ratio was 2.3:1. Bilateral cases were encountered in 19 patients (47.5%) while 21 patients (52.5%) harbored unilateral retinoblastoma. At the time of follow-up, 38 patients (95%) were alive. Overall, 40 eyes (67.8%) were successfully preserved without the need for enucleation. CONCLUSIONS: The national epidemiological data gathered in this study indicates that the incidence of retinoblastoma in Jordan is similar to that reported in various countries of the world. Jordanian boys, however, are at significantly higher risk for developing retinoblastoma than age-matched girls. Furthermore, Jordanian patients are more likely to harbor bilateral retinoblastoma.