Changing concepts in management of pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma in children

Survival with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of all sites has improved dramatically in recent years with the increased use of long-term, cyclic, multidrug chemotherapy. Protocols have been established and are currently being evaluated by the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study. The management of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the pelvic viscera, though, remains troublesome. Limited surgical excision is rarely possible and high-dose radiotherapy to the bony pelvis may cause severe and disabling growth disorders. Yet, survival with these lesions is increasing as with rhabdomyosarcoma from all sites and is directly related to a well-planned and aggressive multidisciplinary program. We have seen 12 cases of pelvic rhabdomyosarcoma within the last seventeen years at this institution. These cases will be reviewed in regard to varying modes of therapy and survival. Our current therapeutic approach, based on national and local experience, will be presented.