What should you know about proteina retinoblastoma?

RB is a protein made from instructions in the RB1 gene. It acts as a checkpoint inside cells, helping prevent cells from moving through division when conditions are not suitable. If both copies of the relevant gene are not working properly in a retinal cell, that checkpoint can be lost and abnormal growth may develop.

Retinoblastoma can affect one eye or both eyes. A white reflection in the pupil, a new squint, an eye that looks red or swollen, or a change in vision can prompt assessment, although these signs have other possible causes. A specialist eye examination may be performed with the child sedated, and imaging or genetic assessment may be discussed.

Arrange prompt review by a children’s eye specialist when an unusual pupil reflection or persistent eye change is noticed. Bring family medical information to the appointment and ask whether genetic counselling or testing could clarify risks for relatives. Treatment is chosen according to tumour size, location, eye involvement and the aim of preserving life, vision and the eye where feasible.

Care may involve local treatment such as Brachytherapy or medicine delivered through the body such as Chemotherapy. The team may combine approaches and will explain examinations, anaesthesia, treatment timing and eye-care instructions.

Seek urgent medical advice for a rapidly swollen or painful eye, sudden visual change, repeated vomiting with severe headache, unusual sleepiness, or a child who becomes difficult to wake. After treatment, follow the team’s emergency instructions for fever, bleeding, severe pain or a new change around the treated eye.

Ask whether the RB1 pathway or inherited risk is suspected, which examinations are needed, how treatment may affect vision, whether genetic counselling is appropriate, and how siblings or future children would be assessed.