Treatment modalities of bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma: a review

Treatment outcomes of bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) in multi- and single-institutional trials are reviewed. Remarkable strides have occurred in the treatment of this disease. Decreasing duration of chemotherapy, less cumulative doses of radiation therapy, and improving survival have been documented. A focus on bladder preservation has not adversely affected survival in most studies. Even if organ preservation is not possible, improvements in urinary diversion surgical technique still offer improved quality of life. The IRS III was a pivotal study in improving survival and quality of life. We recommend protocol enrollment whenever available. We also emphasize the use of magnetic resonance imaging and second look surgery.