Subsequent Malignant Neoplasms in Retinoblastoma Survivors

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Currently survival from retinoblastoma exceeds 95% in high-income/resource countries. Life expectancy within the heritable retinoblastoma population is mainly threatened by trilateral retinoblastoma in early childhood and subsequent malignant neoplasms throughout life. In this review the risks of specific subsequent malignant neoplasms and trilateral Rb, age at onset and influence of therapy are examined. Furthermore, long-term surveillance guidelines in the heritable retinoblastoma survivors are discussed. ABSTRACT: Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a pediatric malignant eye tumor. Subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) and trilateral Rb (TRb) are the leading cause of death in heritable Rb patients in developed countries. The high rate of SMNs in heritable Rb patients is attributed to the presence of a mutation in the RB1 tumor suppressor gene. In addition, Rb therapy choices also influence SMN incidence in this patient group. The incidence rates and age of occurrence for the most frequent SMNs and TRb will be discussed. In addition, the impact of genetic predisposition and Rb treatments on the development of SMNs will be evaluated. Furthermore, screening and other prevention methods will be reviewed.