INCTR Sends Visiting Expert to Mexico

Dr Linn Murphree visited the Instituto National de Pediatria (INP) in Mexico City as a visiting expert in retinoblastoma for one week in early July. His host was Dr Carlos Leal, who is in charge of the retinoblastoma program at the INP. Dr Murphree is an opthalmologist who directs the Retinoblastoma Center in Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.

Both doctors considered the trip very successful. Dr Murphree felt that the standard of care for children with retinoblastoma at INP was of a high level. He was dismayed, however, by the overwhelming problem of delayed diagnosis. During the week he spent at the INP, three new patients were seen—two with orbital and brain extension and one with an eye completely filled with tumor.

Dr Murphree also visited the other major hospital in Mexico City, Hospital Infantil de Mexico, where he met with Dr Rodriguez-Almarez, an opthalmologist. Dr Murphree strongly advocated the development of a coordinated program for the treatment of retinoblastoma in Mexico as well as the development of additional professional and public educational programs. Dr Leal has already formed a national retinoblastoma study group which will meet in January. INCTR representatives will participate in this meeting.