[Familial retinoblastoma in the experience of the Department of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology in Kraków].

In this retrospective study we analyzed over 300 patients with diagnosed retinoblastoma treated in the Department of Ophthalmology and Ocular Oncology in Kraków in 1967-2011. Nine families (parents and offspring) with diagnosed familial retinoblastoma present in at least two generations were analyzed. A review of the age of onset, diagnosis and recurrence rate of tumors as well as the long-term results of applied therapy and advantages of prophylactic ophthalmic screening in children at high risk of familial retinoblastoma was performed. The results of our observations showed that in offspring the tumors were diagnosed earlier, and the therapy outcomes were better as compared to the group of Parents. We conclude that these observations were associated with performed genetic screening, early prophylactic ophthalmic examination of children born in families with diagnosed retinoblastoma and chemoreduction treatment.