Trial Information

Retinoblastoma Biomarker Study

A series of 1,729 retinoblastoma (RB) patients were identified from medical records at
hospital centers in Boston (1937-84) and New York (1914-84). The study cohort consists of
the 1,604 patients who survived at least 1 year after RB diagnosis. Information was
obtained from medical records and interviews conducted in 1987 and 1993. RB patients had a
30-fold excess risk of another cancer, and a 50% chance of developing a cancer if they
survived to 50 years of age. Blood samples have been collected from 481 patients, and
studies are underway to determine if certain mutations in the RB1 genes are associated with
increased or decreased penetrance or with increased risk of subsequent cancer development.
The study population in New York is being expanded currently to include patients treated
since 1984, and their medical records are being abstracted. Blood samples will be collected
from the newly identified patients who are returning to New York Hospital for a followup RB
exam.