Rhabdomyosarcoma in adolescents: A CCHE experience

Abstract

Objective and aim: A lower outcome of rhabdomyosarcoma in elder children and young adolescents is increasingly recognized. Our aim was to focus on the outcome of elder children and adolescents with rhabdomyosarcoma treated at our Center (CCHE).

Patients and methods: Patients between the age 10 and 18 years diagnosed as rhabdomyosarcoma and treated according to IRS –IV, or IRS V protocols determined according to site, stage, and age at diagnosis.

Results: Thirty-two children were recruited at Children’s Cancer Hospital-Egypt. They were 12 females (37.5%) and 20 males (62.5%), with a mean age of 12.8y. The mean follow up period was 29.4 months (July 2007 till December 2012). Seventeen patient, were allocated to IRS–IV, and 15 patient to IRS-V. The overall survival and failure free survival were 59.1% and 40.4% respectively. Forty six percent of patients had alveolar pathology, 68.8% presented with tumors at unfavorable sites; 37.5% had metastases at presentation; and 21.9% had intracranial extension at presentation. Risk status, clinical grouping and tumor size affected FFS significantly. Local control was done by radiation therapy in 62.5%, surgery alone in 9.4%, and both radiation and surgery in 25%.

Conclusion: The outcome of adolescent group showed inferior results compared to younger children. More cooperation and knowledge about RMS, in this age category, can help develop more intensive unified management approach for them.