Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the prostate

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Pediatric Oncology

Background:

• Prostate cancer is rare in young adults.
• Prior radiation therapy is a risk factor for secondary sarcomas.
• Acute lymphatic leukemia survivors may have increased risk for secondary malignancies.

Observation:

• A 20-year-old male with a history of acute lymphatic leukemia presented with hematuria and fever.
• Initial prostate evaluation suggested infection, but symptoms persisted.
• Prostate biopsy confirmed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare tumor type.

Findings:

• The patient received whole-body radiation (10 Gy) for leukemia at age 6.
• The prostate tumor was KIT-positive, suggesting a postradiation sarcoma.
• Chemotherapy (vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide) led to partial remission.

Implications:

• This is the first reported case of postradiation sarcoma presenting as prostate embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma.
• Highlights the importance of considering secondary malignancies in cancer survivors.
• Emphasizes the role of KIT expression in identifying postradiation sarcomas.