Part 12: Peds Tumors- Rhabdomyosarcoma

What is rhabdomyosarcoma?

highly malignant cancer of embryonic mesenchyme that develops into muscle

Rhabdomyosarcoma epidemiology

• Most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma

• More common in children & teens than in infants- as is the case with all sarcomas

• Can occur anywhere, but most commonly occurs in H&N

Rhabdomyosarcoma epidemiology

Unknown

associated with fetal alcohol syndrome

Presentation of rhabdomyosarcoma

painful mass

Pathology (cell types) for rhabdomyosarcoma

several subtypes

only one worth mentioning is pleomorphic

staging for rhabdomyosarcoma

nope

Treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma

1. Surgery

2. RTT

3. Chemo

Option 1: Surgical excision= best option but if large deformity, then

Option 2: RTT or Chemo = good cosmetic results

• RTT: RTT + chemo- good local control

• Chemo: an effective adjunct

RTT to treat rhabdomyosarcoma

1. What is included in tx field

2. Fractionation

1. What is included in tx field: tumor volume + 2cm margin

2. Fractionation:

   1. Option 1: 180 cGy/day to 5040

   2. Option 2: Hyperfractionation 110 cGy 2x/ day to 5940

5 year survival for rhabdomyosarcoma

vary considerably depending on primary site, cell type and behavior