Retinoblastoma is a childhood eye cancer, which usually occurs before the age of three. The cause is almost always genetic - and results from defects in a gene called RB1.
These defects can be identified through genetic sequencing of DNA taken from retinoblastoma patients' blood and/or tumours. Currently, the only way to analyse tumour DNA is by removing the eye, so affected children have to go under general anaesthetic.
Dr Amy Gerrish at Birmingham Children's Hospital is working on a test that will allow researchers to identify Rb in patients who have not had their eye removed.
In this webinar, she will spotlight her research, leading to better childhood cancer diagnosis. Dr Gerrish will be joined by Fight for Sight's Ambassador, Katie Elliott, who aged four was diagnosed with retinoblastoma.
Save the date: Thursday 6 March 2025 at 12:00-13:00.
Sign up for this free webinar now
“I began riding in shows at six. Other people didn’t think I’d be able to compete, but I proved them wrong.”
About the speakers
Dr Amy Gerrish is a Research Scientist at the West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory, which is part of the Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, UK.
She is interested in the application of cell-free DNA analysis in clinical diagnostics.
Her current research areas include noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of single-gene disorders and liquid biopsy diagnosis of retinoblastoma.
Read more about how we funded her research
Katie Elliott, following the diagnosis of retinoblastoma, endured year-long chemotherapy and the removal of one of her eyes. She had a prosthetic eye fitted and is now a model and advocate, using TikTok as a platform to spread positive messaging around confidence and disability.
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- 1 in 20,000
- children in the UK are affected by retinoblastoma
Who will benefit from this webinar?
The webinar is a unique opportunity to hear from a leading researcher in the field of genetics and eye disease.
The session will interest
- People directly impacted by genetic eye disease
- Families impacted by inherited retinal disease
- Anyone who wants to better understand the risk of genetic inherited disease
- Anyone who is curious about lab-based research into eye disease
- Fellow researchers in the field
- Anyone beginning a career in eye research
- Potential research funders
- Anyone considering applying for research funding
