New cancers among long-term survivors of retinoblastoma

Abstract

Patients who survive retinoblastoma (RB), particularly those affected by the hereditable bilateral form, are at risk for developing additional malignant neoplasms, including bone and soft-tissue sarcomas, melanoma, brain tumors and a variety of epithelial malignancies. According to current literature, the development of second malignancies in survivors of RB is due to a combination of genetic factors, treatment received, particularly radiotherapy, and environmental factors. The raised risk for second malignancies in RB patients emphasizes the need for lifelong surveillance for early detection and for the control of environmental and behavioral risk factors, such as UV exposure and cigarette smoking.