Ongoing progress in the treatment of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma

During the past 2 decades, several different multidisciplinary treatment studies of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma have been conducted, some as single-institution protocols and others as multi-institution cooperative endeavors. Much of our current understanding of the natural history and histopathology, as well as response to treatment, is derived from these studies. This understanding has allowed for the continued evolution of treatment, which has already resulted in a dramatic increase in overall survival rates. Current treatment trials are aimed at maintaining high cure rates while reducing treatment-related morbidity, and exploring innovative regimens to improve the outlook of poor-risk patients. The improved outcome in children with rhabdomyosarcoma is a tribute to the multi-institutional, multidisciplinary approach to cancer research and treatment.