Retinoblastoma is the most common form of eye cancer in young children. In the Netherlands, approximately 12 children are diagnosed with this condition each year, most of whom are under five years of age. Retinoblastoma occurs exclusively in childhood, and the frequent treatments and checkups/screenings under anesthesia take place at an age when the brain is still developing rapidly. At this time, doctors do not know whether cancer treatment and/or general anesthesia affect cognitive skills (such as learning, memory, and planning), psychosocial functioning (how a person feels and approaches life), and long-term quality of life. In the coming years, this will be investigated at Amsterdam UMC through the RbNeuroQoL Study, led by Professor A.C. Moll, MD, an ophthalmologist on the retinoblastoma team.

In 2028, Mieke Ouwendijk-Andrea, M.A., a clinical psychologist and researcher with the retinoblastoma team, hopes to present the results of this study in a dissertation.

If people have questions about this study or are considering participating, they can email rbneuroqolstudie@amsterdamumc.nl or . People can also always contact their treating physician with any questions.

In the December issue, you can read an interview with researcher Mieke Ouwendijk about this study