A special session at the 2016 World Congress of Paediatric Oncology was hosted in memoriam of Alfred G. Knudson, Jr., MD, PhD, who died in July. Knudson developed his “two-hit hypothesis” after years of observing children with retinoblastoma, and this now forms the backbone of cancer genetics. The session focused on most effective staging for retinoblastoma, identifying and treating high risk children.
The International Society of Paediatric Oncology World Congress promotes a holistic approach to care. Through a unique collaboration of multiple diverse organizations, the program embraces almost every element of childhood cancer care and survivorship. Dublin hosted an inspired SIOP 2016 congress, October 19-22, a global village with a united voice and energy for all children and their families.
Dublin, Day 2 of One Retinoblastoma World 2016, a global meeting of highly committed retinoblastoma advocates. Focused on best care for everyone, we discussed common sense primary treatment and the pros and cons of eye salvage for child and eye, building effective care in developing countries, innovations for global care, and the pathway to progress for our global community.
The land of 100,000 welcomes warmly greeted our global childhood eye cancer community in October. Dublin enthusiastically hosted One Retinoblastoma World 2016, before the world congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. A meeting of highly committed doctors, parents, survivors, researchers and advocates from six continents, focused on best care for everyone affected by retinoblastoma.
Retinoblastoma is a complex childhood cancer with significant impacts during treatmet and beyond, often continuing throughout life. What are the least discussed subjects in Rb research and care? Why do they matter, and how can research in these areas improve care and quality of life? Rb Survivor, Abby White explores 10 varied topics affecting patients, survivors, and family members at different stages of life.
A positive, open relationship between parents and the child’s medical team is vital throughout treatment and beyond. A therapeutic alliance requires good communication, mutual trust, respect and care, as well as knowledge and skills to provide high quality medical care.
Intraocular retinoblastoma is classified and staged to help doctors describe the degree of cancer in a child’s eye, determine best treatment options, define potential for cure / eye salvage, and compare impact of different therapies. Each eye is classified to define potential for safely saving the eye / vision. Stage of bilateral Rb is based on the worst affected eye, as an indicator of risk to the child’s life. When an eye might be classified into one of two groups, the higher risk group should be selected. This reduces risk of eye loss or life threatening relapse due to under-treatment.
Taking photographs to check for red eye reflex is one of the best ways parents can detect early signs of serious eye disease in young children. Here we explain red eye photography and the simple technique all parents should know to check for healthy red reflex in children.
In early 2013, treatment was cancelled without warning for several Arizona children receiving care at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. No alternative plans were offered for essential life / sight saving therapy. The families approached Daisy’s Eye Cancer Fund for help. Read on to find out how we worked on their behalf to protect the children’s access to high quality on-going care.
