Comment on: Racial, Ethnic, and Socioeconomic Disparities in Retinoblastoma Enucleation: A Population-Based Study, SEER 18 2000–2014

• Published in: American journal of ophthalmology Vol. 217; pp. 350 - 351
• Main Author: Brown, Sandra M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago Elsevier Inc 01.09.2020; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Codes; Financial disclosure; Socioeconomic factors
• ISSN: 0002-9394; 1879-1891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2020.02.029

The ICRB classifies tumor burden into 5 groups (A–E), which are defined by the size and location of the tumor(s) within the eye relative to the optic disc and foveola; presence and extent of subretinal fluid; location and extent of vitreous or subretinal seeding; and additional findings such as anterior segment invasion. [...]the start of the study period precedes the introduction of the ICRB by 5 years, and the old Reese-Ellsworth RB classification system is entirely different from the ICRB.3 Given these contradictions and limitations, it is unlikely that the EOD has been accurately and consistently reported to the SEER database over the entire study period. When combined with the questionable validity of the primary data on disease burden, I believe the authors have over-reached in their conclusion that children of low SES are more likely to be enucleated for reasons other than a delay in diagnosis and greater tumor burden at presentation.