Screening for Retinoblastoma: A Systematic Review of Current Strategies

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to review the literature on various screening programs, devices, and applications described for the early detection of retinoblastoma. Design: Systematic review article. Methods: A PubMed® search was performed to identify articles published with specific reference to screening of neonates, infants and children for retinoblastoma. Results: Various devices and mobile phone-based applications based on altered red reflex are finding their way into community screening. Diagnosis of retinoblastoma by newborn eye screening is emphasized in several countries, and red reflex is the most widely employed technique. Conclusions: Several screening programs for early detection of retinoblastoma are evolving in the developing countries, but the practices are not uniform. Universal newborn screening should be the norm. Newer tools and software can be utilized to screen infants on a community scale. Focussed research on revolutionizing digital imaging for a versatile screening tool holds promise for early diagnosis of retinoblastoma.