Sankara Nethralaya convened a session dedicated to raising awareness of retinoblastoma, a form of ocular cancer affecting children.
Retinoblastoma, a malignant tumour of the retina, primarily affects children under the age of five. The condition may manifest in one or both eyes, with approximately 25% of cases affecting both. Early detection and specialized treatment are critical, as survival rates can exceed 90% with timely intervention. Delayed diagnosis and limited access to care, however, can result in blindness or mortality.
The session aimed to educate parents about the disease’s characteristics and promote broader public awareness. Attendees included 35 children diagnosed with retinoblastoma, their parents, and esteemed medical professionals; Dr. Girish Shiva Rao, President, Sankara Nethralaya; Dr. Pramod Bhende, Director, Department of Vitreo Retina; Dr. Suganeswari G, Chief Ocular Oncologist, Sankara Nethralaya; Dr. Arpita Bhattacharya, Medical Oncologist, Tata Medical Centre and Dr. Eesh Nigam, Senior Ocular Oncologist, Sankara Nethralaya. Celebrated Actor Shri Sabyasachi Chakraborty was also present at the event. The session concluded with performances by retinoblastoma survivors.
India reports an estimated 1,400 to 2,000 new cases of retinoblastoma annually, representing 15–20% of global cases. Incidence rates vary regionally; for example, Chennai reported 21.7 cases per million males aged 0–4 years, while Kolkata reported 18.9 cases per million females in the same age group.
Retinoblastoma may present with symptoms such as a white pupillary reflex, strabismus, ocular redness or irritation, swelling, ocular pain, and/or low vision. Diagnosis may involve imaging tests, including ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans. Treatment modalities depend on tumor size and location, the extent of the disease, and whether one or both eyes are involved. Treatment options encompass chemotherapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, radiation therapy, and, in some cases, enucleation.
Sankara Nethralaya, Rajarhat Kolkata, houses a dedicated ocular oncology unit that collaborates with Tata Medical Centre to provide specialized treatment for patients with ocular cancer. Since 2017, the unit has treated approximately 1,000 patients, with around 30% receiving treatment at no cost. The oncology team at Sankara Nethralaya Kolkata is currently led by Dr. Eesh Nigam, with support from the oncology team at Sankara Nethralaya Chennai, headed by Dr. Suganeswari G. Sankara Nethralaya Rajarhat is equipped with advanced facilities, including RETCAM, TTT, cryotherapy, and red laser technology.
