Background: Retinoblastoma (RB) is a relatively uncommon tumour in childhood. The incidence of retinoblastoma in Mexico is probably higher than the incidence reported worldwide, however there is not enough information about the characteristics of this illness in Mexico. This report aims to present the results of a multicentre clinical survey of RB in Mexico. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out on all RB cases treated in 16 institutions during the last six years. The variables analysed were age at diagnosis, sex, affected eyes, treatment modalities, and pathological staging. Overall survival was obtained. Results: The authors analysed 500 cases; age range was 0-182 months. There were 364 unilateral cases (72.8%). Enucleation was performed in 84.9% of the patients. The St Jude's staging was: 7.4% stage I, 52.8% stage II, 18.0% stage III, 11.4% stage IV, 7.2% not evaluated, and 3.2% missing data. Chemotherapy was used in 74.4% of the patients. Disease free survival was 89% at 73 months follow up. Conclusions: The paper presents a great number of cases and pioneers multicentre studies in paediatric ophthalmology and oncology in this country. Given the great number of patients in advanced stages and the variability on treatment schemes, it is evident that it is mandatory to work in a cooperative group and develop a national early detection programme as well as a treatment protocol which include all specialists involved in the care of patients with RB.

BackgroundAll the children registered at the National Council for the Prevention and Treatment of Childhood Cancer were analyzed. The rationale for this Federal Government Council is to financially support the treatment of all children registered into this system. All patients are within a network of 55 public certified hospitals nationwide.MethodsIn the current study, data from 2007 to 2012 are presented for all patients (0–18 years) with a pathological diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma and solid tumors. The parameters analyzed were prevalence, incidence, mortality, and abandonment rate.ResultsA diagnosis of cancer was documented in 14,178 children. The incidence was of 156.9/million/year (2012). The median age was 4.9. The most common childhood cancer is leukemia, which occurs in 49.8% of patients (2007–2012); and has an incidence rate of 78.1/million/year (2012). The national mortality rate was 5.3/100,000 in 2012, however in the group between 15 to 18 years it reaches a level of 8.6.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that there is a high incidence of childhood cancer in Mexico. In particular, the results reveal an elevated incidence and prevalence of leukemia especially from 0 to 4 years. Only 4.7% of these patients abandoned treatment. The clinical outcome for all of the children studied improved since the establishment of this national program.

Complete surgical resection was necessary for a favorable prognosis, and the long-term effects are a valid problem.

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