Recent experience in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma

Twenty-two patients with rhabdomyosarcoma have presented in the years 1970--1977. Of 8 patients who had inadequate postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy, or none at all, only 2 patients with small completely resectable tumors are alive and well at 6 and 4 yr after surgery. Fourteen patients had intensive combination chemotherapy in addition to appropriate surgery and radiotherapy. Five have died and the remaining nine are well and free of disease at follow up ranging from 9 mo to over 5 yr. A continued place in the treatment regime is advocated for early surgery aimed at total excision of the primary tumor where this is feasible.