Molecular pathology of retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma (RB) is an embryonic neoplasm of retinal origin. For many years, scientists have sought the fundamental origins of tumorigenesis, with the ultimate hope of discovering a cure. Indeed, these efforts have led to a significant understanding that multiple molecular and genetic aberrations, such as uncontrolled proliferation and the inhibition of apoptosis that contribute to the canonical characteristics of tumor biology. Despite these advances, a thorough understanding, such as the precise cells, which are the targets of neoplastic transformation, especially in solid tumors, is currently lacking. The focus of this review is to emphasize the molecular defects involved in the RB tumor progression and mechanisms associated with inhibition of tumor cell apoptotic processes. This review also discusses the importance of target molecules characterization and their potential therapeutic or prognostic use in RB disease.