Paediatric retinoblastoma care between 2020 and 2024: a national perspective

Abstract

During the period 2020-2024, Argentina faced a challenging health and socioeconomic scenario that directly impacted the approach to pediatric retinoblastoma. Early diagnosis and access to adequate treatments were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and by structural inequalities in the health system. This led to diagnoses at advanced stages, which required more invasive therapies such as enucleation, with significant functional and emotional consequences for patients.
The study analyzed the response of the Argentine health system, highlighting the role of the Garrahan National Pediatric Hospital as a reference center. There, chemoreduction was prioritized as initial treatment, complemented in many cases by radiotherapy or surgery. It was observed that local treatments, such as cryotherapy or brachytherapy, offered good results in early stages, although their availability was limited. The aesthetic and functional effect of therapies such as external radiotherapy was also identified, in contrast to more conservative methods.
It was concluded that the quality of treatment depended to a large extent on access to specialized centers, the socioeconomic level of the patients and the existence of interdisciplinary teams. Although there were legislative advances, such as the Oncopediatrics Act, challenges persisted in its implementation and in territorial equity. The study highlighted the need to strengthen local research, decentralize care and guarantee psychosocial support, in order to improve clinical outcomes and the quality of life of patients with retinoblastoma in the country.