[Results of combined therapy in rhabdomyosarcoma in children]

In a study of rhabdomyosarcoma in children, 16 cases were treated and followed since 1971. Eight patients were staged I and II A and presented a mean survival time of 52 and 21 months respectively, whereas the remaining 8 patients were staged II B and III with a mean survival time of 20 and 9 months respectively. Of the 16 patients treated, 10 (62.5%) continue survival with an overall median survival time of 25 months. It is suggested that an early diagnosis and combined treatment including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with vincristine, cyclophosphamide and actinomicin and possibly adriamycin as a fourth drug, will give patients in underdeveloped countries, similar survivals and relief as those observed in developed countries. It is apparent that a multidisciplinary medical team is more important than the magnitud of economical resources.