Retinoblastoma: an overview for advanced practice nurses.

PURPOSE: To provide an overview of the current literature surrounding the detection and management of retinoblastoma as well as care for the long-term survivor to serve as a guide for advanced practice nurses. DATA SOURCES: Comprehensive review of the literature on retinoblastoma including case studies, journal reviews, retrospective studies, and briefs. CONCLUSIONS: Retinoblastoma is a pediatric intraocular malignancy usually detected in the primary care setting. Typically asymptomatic, primary care providers will often identify the presence of retinoblastoma upon routine eye exam. Prompt diagnosis and commencement of treatment are paramount as delay in diagnosis leads to higher morbidity and mortality. Treatment options vary depending on the extent of disease. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Although current survival rates for retinoblastoma exceed 90%, individual visual outcome and survival are dependent upon early detection and prompt referral. In addition to research and education of survivors and families, advanced practice nurses play a key role in early detection and maintaining the current survival rate.

Nurse-initiated retinoblastoma service in New Zealand.

A diagnosis of retinoblastoma is devastating not only for the parents of the children but also for the ophthalmic staff who are involved in the provision of care. In Auckland, New Zealand, the Ophthalmology Department provides specialist ophthalmic care for children and their families diagnosed with retinoblastoma. It became clear to nurses with an interest in retinoblastoma that the service provided was not meeting the needs of patients and families, particularly since the numbers had increased over the past two years. Improving our service was essential, but it had to be done in a cost-effective way. We have been successful in implementing a dedicated support network and service for these patients and families with very little additional resources, and we are extremely proud of these achievements.

Retinoblastoma: care and support of the pediatric patient and family.

This paper presents the holistic approach to the care of the pediatric patient with strabismus. It discusses preoperative management, contemporary surgical procedures including postoperative suture adjustments, complications and the care and management of the patient and family on the pediatric unit. It reviews discharge instructions including pain management, postoperative safety and the follow-up appointment with the surgeon. Methods of determining the level of knowledge of the child's primary caregiver are also a major focus.

The treatment of retinoblastoma: a case study.

Research in the treatment of retinoblastoma and multidrug resistance has led to new treatment protocols for children. This case study introduces information regarding a clinical trial for the treatment of intraocular retinoblastoma. It also highlights important nursing issues in the care of these children and their families.

Hereditary cancers in children and ethical and psychosocial implications.

This article describes the application of genetic testing of children for hereditary cancers and the resultant ethical and psychosocial implications. Basic cancer genetics concepts are reviewed. Specific hereditary cancers that may affect children are described along with case examples and recommendations for nursing practice.

Genetic teaching for the retinoblastoma patient.

Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in children. Retinoblastoma can be hereditary (familial) or nonhereditary (nonfamilial). Nurses who have an understanding of the genetic patterns for retinoblastoma can participate in the counseling of these patients. A chart is provided as a tool for teaching patients about family patterns of retinoblastoma.