Health Effects

What do we study?

NCI scientists leading the Retinoblastoma Follow-up Study are studying the long-term health effects of retinoblastoma on survivors, including the risk of developing second cancers. Retinoblastoma survivors enjoy long productive lives and most do not develop second cancers. Survivors who had cancer in only one eye (sporadic disease) do not develop another cancer any more frequently than someone who was not diagnosed with retinoblastoma.

Who is at risk for second cancers?

Survivors who had cancer in both eyes (those with hereditary retinoblastoma) are more likely to be diagnosed with another form of cancer as they grow older. The most common types of cancers are:

An alteration in the retinoblastoma gene (called RB1) probably contributes to the development of these cancers.

What about treatment?

We also know that radiotherapy used to treat retinoblastoma increases the risk of certain radiation-related cancers in survivors. However, despite this increase in risk, radiation is often the best treatment available to preserve vision in patients with retinoblastoma in both eyes.

How will this research help me?

As we learn more from the study, we hope to continue to help survivors and their health care providers better understand the increased risk of second cancers, specifically among survivors of hereditary retinoblastoma. Increased awareness of these long-term health effects will allow for improved screening and early detection and treatment for those who may be at higher risk. To learn how to reduce your risk of second cancers read our Cancer Prevention page.