Meta-analysis reveals natural history of second primary tumors in patients with retinoblastoma

Researchers analyzed data on 676 secondary primary tumors (SPTs) in 602 retinoblastoma patients. They found that they were susceptible to a broad range of SPTs throughout their lives, and that the median age at diagnosis changes according to tumor type. The median age at which SPTs occurred inside the radiation field was younger than that for SPTs outside the radiation field or in patients who did not undergo irradiation (P < 0.001). Sarcomas occurred more commonly inside the radiation field (P < 0.001). Melanomas, lipomas, leukemias, and lymphomas occurred more commonly outside the radiation field or in patients who did not undergo irradiation (P < 0.001).