Enucleation Refusal for Retinoblastoma: A Global Study. (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Olteanu, Cristina; Dimaras, Helen
• Is Part Of: Ophthalmic genetics. Volume 37:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 137
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Enucleation refusal -- global survival disparity -- health inequalities -- retinoblastoma -- treatment compliance -- treatment delay; Eye -- Diseases -- Genetic aspects -- Periodicals; Eye Diseases -- genetics -- Periodicals; Eye Diseases -- in infancy & childhood -- Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.3109/13816810.2014.937543
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1381-6810

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Enucleation (eye removal) is often the only curative treatment for the childhood eye cancer retinoblastoma, yet parental refusal of enucleation commonly contributes to treatment delay and poor survival globally. Methods : Physicians who treat retinoblastoma were surveyed to glean underlying reasons for treatment refusal. Results : Refusal rates were higher when less time was spent with parents explaining retinoblastoma/enucleation, and where fewer support services were available. Reasons for refusal included parental belief in alternative treatments, culture, and social stigma. Conclusions : We suggest strategies to increase parental compliance with enucleation and save the lives of children with retinoblastoma.