Treatment and outcome of patients suffering from perineal/perianal rhabdomyosarcoma: results from the CWS trials--retrospective clinical study

Lymph Node Staging and Treatment in Pediatric Patients With Soft Tissue Sarcomas: A Consensus Opinion From the Children's Oncology Group, European paediatric Soft Tissue Sarcoma Study Group, and the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe

Accurate staging of nodal involvement in pediatric sarcoma patients is important to determine correct systemic and local therapy, with the goal to reduce subsequent recurrences. However, differences in lymph node staging strategies, definitions, and treatment protocols between the Children's Oncology Group (COG), European paediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG), and the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS) complicate comparisons. In this article, we aim to establish internationally recognized recommendations for lymph node assessment and treatment of children and adolescents diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and non-rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS) according to the Consensus Conference Standard Operating Procedure methodology.

Invasive Inguinal Lymph Node Recurrence of a Perineal Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma derived from embryonic mesenchymal tissue. RMS can be found anywhere in the body, including the head and neck, extremities, pelvis, and genitourinary tract. Perineal-RMS is a rare and aggressive form of RMS. Patients often have a delayed presentation following onset of symptoms and frequently present with regional lymph node involvement and/or distant metastases. Primary tumor site is an important prognostic factor for RMS, with the perineal region being considered an unfavorable location. We present a case of Perineal RMS in a 6-year-old boy who later developed an invasive inguinal lymph node recurrence.

Outcomes for patients with perineal and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee

PURPOSE

To describe clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of patients with perineal and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma.

METHODS

The records of 51 patients (38 perineal and 13 perianal) enrolled on Children's Oncology Group clinical trials between 1997 and 2012 were reviewed.

RESULTS

At presentation, 53% were female, 65% were older than 10 years of age, 76% were alveolar histology, 76% were more than 5 cm, 84% were invasive, 65% were regional node positive by imaging, 49% were metastatic, only 16% were grossly resected upfront, and 25% of patients had a delayed excision. At a median follow-up of 6.13 years, estimated 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was 38% [22.17%-53.38%], and overall survival (OS) was 42% [26.66%-58.21%]. The rates of local, regional, and distant failure were 15.6%, 13.7%, 43.1%, respectively; all failures ultimately died. By univariate analysis, only age more than 10 years negatively impacted 5-year EFS (p = .023) and OS (p = .09), and IRS Group also impacted OS (p = .043). In Cox proportional hazards model, neither of these variables were significant after adjusting for other factors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with perineal and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma have a poor overall prognosis, probably related to poor patient and disease characteristics at presentation.

A pilot study to evaluate the combination of surgery and brachytherapy for local tumor control in young children with perianal rhabdomyosarcoma

Background

Perianal rhabdomyosarcoma ((P)RMS) are rare and have a poor prognosis. Data in young children are limited and local therapy is not well defined. Combined brachytherapy and surgery is routinely being used for RMS at other sites in children as it provides good oncologic outcomes and allows for organ-sparing surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate this combination treatment for local tumor control and organ-sparing surgery in young children with (P)RMS.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of all children who underwent surgery and brachytherapy for (P)RMS at our institution since 2009 was conducted.

Results

Surgery for (P)RMS was performed in 6 patients at a median age of 19 months (range 8-50). Embryonal RMS was diagnosed in 4 patients and alveolar RMS in 2 patients, of which 1 patient had FOXO1 fusion-positive RMS. All patients underwent postoperative high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Organ-preserving surgery was achieved in 5 of 6 patients (83 %). In 1 patient, the entire sphincter was infiltrated, making organ-preserving resection impossible. 5 of 6 patients (83 %) exhibited an event-free and overall survival at a median follow-up of 26 months (range 8-107). One patient died due to locoregional recurrence. Complications were urethral leakage in 1 patient followed by urethral stenosis and delayed wound healing and vaginal stenosis in another patient. No patient reported fecal incontinence.

Conclusions

Combined treatment with surgery and HDR brachytherapy is feasible in very young children with (P)RMS and leads to a favorable oncologic outcome. Preliminary data show a good functional preservation.

A rare case of perianal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma

Perianal alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare sarcoma that requires a high index of suspicion along with tissue biopsy for accurate diagnosis. Successful treatment, even in the setting of recurrence, requires a multidisciplinary approach.

A Practical Approach to Small Round Cell Tumors Involving the Gastrointestinal Tract and Abdomen

Small round cell neoplasms are diagnostically challenging owing to their clinical and pathologic overlap, necessitating use of large immunopanels and molecular analysis. Ewing sarcomas (ES) are the most common, but EWSR1 is translocated in several diverse neoplasms, some with round cell morphology. Molecular advances enable classification of many tumors previously termed 'atypical ES'. The current WHO Classification includes two new undifferentiated round cell sarcomas (with CIC or BCOR alterations), and a group of sarcomas in which EWSR1 partners with non-Ewing family transcription factor genes. This article reviews the spectrum of small round cell sarcomas within the gastrointestinal tract and abdomen.

Perianal rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult: A case report and review of the literature

Perianal/perineal rhabdomyosarcomas (PRMS) is rare, and the outcome is poor. A 29-year-old female presented with perineal rhabdomyosarcomas revealed metastases to inguinal lymph nodes on the bilateral side. Disease progression was discovered when the patient got adjuvant epirubicin, ifosfamide, and bevacizumab for 2 cycles. After 3 cycles of nivolumab, dacarbazine, cisplatin, and vinblastine therapy, a partial response was identified in the patient. The surgical resection was performed. The patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery and was weak after surgery, so he did not receive chemoradiotherapy. The patient succumbed after 11 months postoperatively due to widespread intraabdominal metastasis.

Critical elements of pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma surgery

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children, requires multimodal therapy which is determined by risk group stratification. Local control may be achieved by surgical resection, radiation, or both. Resection may occur upfront or following induction chemotherapy as a delayed primary excision. An R1 resection may allow a reduction in radiation exposure; however, debulking is not indicated nor is excision of residual masses at the end of therapy. Regional lymph node assessment is an important component of surgical care, as positive nodal basins require radiation. Depending on the tumor site and biology, sentinel lymph node biopsy vs biopsy of clinically or radiographically concerning nodes is indicated. Therapeutic lymph node dissection is never indicated. Familiarity with site-specific oncologic principles for RMS and participation in a multidisciplinary team including Pediatric Oncology and Radiation Oncology are necessary components of surgical care to ensure optimal outcomes.

Increasing Patient Safety and Treatment Quality by Using Intraoperative MRI for Organ-Preserving Tumor Resection and High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy in Children with Bladder/Prostate and Perianal Rhabdomyosarcoma

In children with bladder/prostate (BP) and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), we use a hybrid treatment concept for those suitable, combining organ-preserving tumor resection and high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT). This treatment concept has been shown to improve outcomes. However, it is associated with specific challenges for the clinicians. The exact position of the tubes for BT is a prerequisite for precise radiotherapy. It can finally be determined only with an MRI or CT scan. We evaluated the use of an intraoperative MRI (iMRI) to control the position of the BT tubes and for radiotherapy planning in all patients with BP and perianal RMS who received the above-mentioned combination therapy in our department since January 2021. iMRI was used in 12 children. All tubes were clearly localized. No adverse events occurred. In all 12 children, radiotherapy could be started on time. In a historical cohort without iMRI, this was not possible in 3 out of 20 children. The use of iMRI in children with BP and perianal RMS improved patient safety and treatment quality. This technology has proven to be successful for the patient population we have defined and has become a standard procedure in our institution.

Developments in the Surgical Approach to Staging and Resection of Rhabdomyosarcoma

Although survival after rhabdosarcoma treatment has improved over the years, one third of patients still develop locoregional relapse. This review aims to highlight developments pertaining to staging and local treatment of specific RMS tumor sites, including head and neck, chest/trunk, bladder-prostate, female genito-urinary, perianal, and extremity sites.

An uncommon perineal embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in adult: A case report

RATIONALE

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a major subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma, mainly affect children. There is seldom report for perineal ERMS in adults, since its rare location and the age.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 20-year old male adult was admitted due to the perineal mass.

DIAGNOSES

Diagnosis by histopathological examination of the biopsy sample was ERMS. Magnetic resonance imaging showed the tumor was found in the perineal region, with metastasis to pelvic cavity, right testis, lymph nodes and bone.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient received Isophosphamide and Epirubicin for 4 cycles, followed by Irinotecan and Vindesine Sulfate for 2 cycles, then cisplatin, Dacarbazine and Apatinib for 3 cycles.

OUTCOME

The patient showed no response to chemotherapy.

LESSONS

Perineal ERMS in adults is very rare. There is still no standard therapy for adult ERMS. Personalized therapy might be promising treatment for each individual.

Perianal/perineal rhabdomyosarcoma: Results of the SIOP MMT 95, Italian RMS 96, and EpSSG RMS 2005 studies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the perianal/perineal region (PRMS) is rare, with poor survival and limited understanding of the functional consequences of treatment.

DESIGN/METHODS

International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP) malignant mesenchymal tumor (MMT) 95, Italian RMS 96, and European paediatric Soft tissue sarcoma Study Group (EpSSG) RMS 2005 studies were interrogated to identify factors that impact survival; in RMS 2005, functional outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients (nonmetastatic) were identified, median age 6.4 years (range: 0.1-19.6): 29 male, 21 female. Tumors were >5 cm in 33 patients. Histopathological subtype was alveolar in 35. Lymph nodes were involved in 23 patients. In RMS 2005, 16/21 (76%) tested alveolar tumors had positive FOXO1 fusion status. Diagnostic biopsy was performed in 37. Primary resection (13) was complete (R0) in one. Delayed primary excision (16) was complete in three. Radiotherapy (RT) in 34/50 patients included external beam (28), brachytherapy (3), and both (3). Nodal RT was given in 16/23 N1 patients (70%). Median follow-up of alive patients (29) was 84.1 months (range: 3.6-221.1). Relapse or progression occurred in 24 patients (48%), 87% were fatal and most events (63%) were locoregional. Five-year event-free survival (EFS) was 47.8 (95% CI: 32.8-61.3), and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 52.6 (95% CI: 36.7-66.2), with age ≥10 years and tumor size >5 cm impacting 5-year EFS and OS (p < .05). Functional outcome data showed bowel, genito-urinary, and psychological issues; fecal incontinence in four of 21 survivors, and urinary symptoms in two of 21.

CONCLUSIONS

About 60% of patients with nonmetastatic PRMS survive; older patients and those with large tumors have the worst outcomes. Biopsy should be the initial procedure, and definitive local therapy individualized. Quality-of-life and functional studies are needed to better understand the consequences of treatment.

Perianal and perineal rhabdomyosarcomas: a retrospective multicenter study of 35 cases

Background

Perianal/perineal rhabdomyosarcomas (PRMS) are easily misdiagnosed soft tissue tumours with a poor prognosis. This study was designed to analyze the clinical, diagnostic, pathological and prognostic features of PRMS, and to explore currently available therapeutic modalities.

Methods

Clinical data of PRMS patients admitted to the Sixth Affiliated Hospital and the Cancer Center of Sun Yat-sen University and from related Chinese literature published from 1987 to 2018 were collected and analyzed. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the differences between each group. The Kaplan–Meier methods were applied to estimate and compare survival rates.

Results

A total of 35 patients were included in this study; 20 identified within related Chinese literatures and 15 from our center admitted during the period of 1997–2019. Out of these cases, 34 presented with perianal masses and the remaining one manifested as an inguinal mass. Moreover, 20 patients complained of pain and 16 of them were misdiagnosed as perianal abscesses, in which the presence of pain contributed to the misdiagnosis (p < 0.05). The average time interval between symptom onset and pathological diagnosis was 3.1 months. Next, 13 cases were classified into IRS group III/IV and 20 cases into stages 3/4. Additionally, 14 and 9 cases received the pathological diagnoses of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, respectively. Regarding the patients’ survival rates, five patients survived for more than 2 years, and three of them survived for more than 5 years. The overall 2 years and 5 years survival rates were 32% and 24%, respectively. The symptom of pain and misdiagnosis both contributed to the poor prognosis in these patients (p < 0.05). MRI showed that the PRMS were closely related to external anal sphincter in 10 cases.

Conclusion

PRMS are easily misdiagnosed lesions, which often leads to an unfavourable outcome in affected patients. Patients with painful perianal masses should be evaluated to exclude PRMS. MRI revealed that PRMS are closely related to the external anal sphincter. Multidisciplinary management is recommended in the treatment of PRMS.

Tools for fecal incontinence assessment: lessons for inflammatory bowel disease trials based on a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Fecal incontinence is a disabling condition affecting up to 20% of women.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated fecal incontinence assessment in both inflammatory bowel disease and non-inflammatory bowel disease patients to propose a diagnostic approach for inflammatory bowel disease trials.

METHODS

We searched on Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library for all studies on adult inflammatory bowel disease and non-inflammatory bowel disease patients reporting data on fecal incontinence assessment from January 2009 to December 2019.

RESULTS

In total, 328 studies were included; 306 studies enrolled non-inflammatory bowel disease patients and 22 studies enrolled inflammatory bowel disease patients. In non-inflammatory bowel disease trials the most used tools were the Wexner score, fecal incontinence quality of life questionnaire, Vaizey score and fecal incontinence severity index (in 187, 91, 62 and 33 studies). Anal manometry was adopted in 41.2% and endoanal ultrasonography in 34.0% of the studies. In 142 studies (46.4%) fecal incontinence evaluation was performed with a single instrument, while in 64 (20.9%) and 100 (32.7%) studies two or more instruments were used. In inflammatory bowel disease studies the Wexner score, Vaizey score and inflammatory bowel disease quality of life questionnaire were the most commonly adopted tools (in five (22.7%), five (22.7%) and four (18.2%) studies). Anal manometry and endoanal ultrasonography were performed in 45.4% and 18.2% of the studies.

CONCLUSION

Based on prior validation and experience, we propose to use the Wexner score as the first step for fecal incontinence assessment in inflammatory bowel disease trials. Anal manometry and/or endoanal ultrasonography should be taken into account in the case of positive questionnaires.

Local Control of Perineal Rhabdomyosarcoma: Are Current Recommendations Adequate?

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare malignancy that can develop in nearly any soft-tissue of the body. Location of the primary tumor affects treatment strategy and prognosis, and RMS of the perineal areas can be especially difficult to treat successfully. RMS is treated systemically with chemotherapy. Local control options include surgical excision, radiation treatment, or a combination of the 2. Treating RMS with radiation treatment can be challenging due to the absence of standardized dosage protocols, along with the presence of conflicting recommendations in the literature. Each case of perineal RMS may benefit from a more individualized treatment plan.

Combined management of perianal rhabdomyosarcoma with chemotherapy, radical surgery, and irradiation: A series of three consecutive children

BACKGROUND AND AIM

We describe a series of three successive patients with perianal rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) from 2014 to 2017 managed with combined chemotherapy, radical surgery, and radiotherapy.

METHODS

Ethical consent was obtained. Data including tumor presentation, treatment, and survival was collected from hospital reports.

RESULTS

Two girls aged 15 and 16 years (patient #1 and #2) and one boy aged five years (patient #3) were referred because of a suspected perianal abscess. MRI showed large perianal tumors from 7 to 12 cm in diameter that surrounded or infiltrated the anal sphincters and were inconsistent with abscess. Tumor biopsies showed RMS of alveolar (#1 and #2) and embryonal (#3) types. Patient #1 had lymph node and bone metastases, patient #2 lymph node metastases, and patient #3 no metastases. Pretreatment staging, IRS Clinical Group, and Risk Groups were: Stage 4, II, high; Stage 3, GII, intermediate; and Stage 3, I, low, respectively. All underwent colostomy before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CWS-RMS 2009 program). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy failed to clear the tumors from anal sphincters preventing anus-saving surgery, and all patients underwent abdominoperineal excision. All removed specimens had free margins with negative lymph nodes. After adjuvant chemotherapy and local radiation, the patients were tumor free after 48, 13, and 18 months.

CONCLUSION

In PRMS local surgical control required abdominoperineal excision. Confusion between PRMS and abscess may cause unnecessary delay in management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV (Treatment Study, Case Series with no Comparison Group).

Rhabdomyosarcoma and Extraosseous Ewing Sarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant tumor that represents the most common form of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. It arises from mesenchymal origin and forms part of the group of small round blue cell tumors of childhood. It has a constant annual incidence of 4.5 cases per 1,000,000 children. The known histological diagnosis of the two major subtypes (embryonal and alveolar) has been recently enhanced by tumor biological markers and molecular differentiation diagnostic tools that have improved not only the updated classification based on risk stratification, but also the treatment approach based on the clinical group. Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a round cell tumor, highly malignant and poorly differentiated that is currently the second most common malignant bone tumor in children. In rare instances, it develops from an extraskeletal origin, classified as extraosseous Ewing sarcoma (EES). We provide an updated, evidence-based and comprehensive review of the molecular diagnosis, clinical and diagnostic approach and a multidisciplinary medical and surgical management according to the latest standard of care for the treatment of pediatric RMS and EES.

Treatment and outcome of patients with localized intrathoracic and chest wall rhabdomyosarcoma: a report of the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS)

PURPOSE

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. In 7% of the cases it is localized at the chest wall or intrathoracically. The aim of this study was to analyze the multimodal treatment concepts and outcomes of children suffering from intrathoracic and chest wall RMS treated within three different Cooperative Soft Tissue Sarcoma (CWS) trials and one registry (Soft Tissue Sarcoma Registry, SoTiSaR).

METHODS

Data of 51 patients with thoracic RMS enrolled in three different CWS trials (CWS-86, -91, -2002P) and one registry (SoTiSaR) were analyzed retrospectively. Surgery and its influence on outcome were assessed. Median follow-up was 37.5 months (0.9-152.5).

RESULTS

Median age of the patients was 8.8 years (range 0-19 years). The 5-year overall survival rate (OS) was 57% (95%-CI 49-65) and the 5-year event-free survival rate (EFS) was 45% (38-52). Thirty-five patients had tumors located at the chest wall (EFS: 51%, 43-59), and 16 patients had intrathoracic tumors (EFS: 26%, 13-39). Seventeen patients with tumors ≤ 5 cm had a better outcome (EFS: 64%, 52-76) compared to patients with tumors larger than 5 cm (EFS: 36%, 27-45). Radiotherapy (RT) significantly improved the survival of patients with alveolar RMS compared to patients with embryonal histology (EFS: 66%, 52-80 vs. 32%, 21-43 p = 0.02). Complete tumor excision during delayed surgery was the main prognostic factor for survival (p = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

Thoracic RMS is a rare tumor entity. Completeness of tumor resection significantly improved survival of the patients.

The Patient Experience with Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogenous group of rare tumors that involve the connective tissue in the body (e.g. muscle, tendons). As with many rare tumors, little is known about the impact of STS on patient well-being.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review was to better understand current knowledge related to patient experience and quality of life (QOL) following diagnosis of STS.

METHODS

A systematic review of English-language articles published from 2005 to 2015 was conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsychINFO, and Evidence-Based Medicine databases. The review included recent conference proceedings and advocacy websites. Articles were eligible if they included adult STS patient-reported outcomes (PROs) or details on patient experience.

RESULTS

Overall, 3430 articles were identified and 20 were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 14 were clinical studies that included PRO measures, 1 summarized PRO measures used in STS studies, and 5 described the STS patient experience. Patients with STS report a range of impacts on QOL, including emotional well-being, body image, functional deficit following surgery, and practical considerations such as child care and work.

CONCLUSIONS

Few studies have published either qualitative or quantitative data on the patient experience with STS. While STS has a measurable impact on QOL, there is a lack of detailed information in the published literature. Although PROs are used in clinical studies of STS, they are not STS-specific and may not capture the unique needs of this population. There is a need for qualitative research to better understand both patient and caregiver experiences in STS.

Patterns of chemotherapy-induced toxicities and outcome in children and adolescents with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine whether adolescents with metastatic alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) or embryonal RMS (ERMS) had a different event-free survival (EFS) compared with younger patients, and to identify treatment-related factors (adverse events, AEs) that may be associated with differences in outcome.

METHODS

The prevalence of AEs in adolescents older than 13 years was compared with that in patients less than or equal to 13 years of age (Fisher exact test) in patients enrolled onto ARST0431. EFS by age and histology was compared by log-rank test.

RESULTS

Of 109 patients, 60 (55%) were older than 13 years; they were more likely to have nausea (17 vs. 4%, P = 0.06) and pain (20 vs. 6%, P = 0.05) compared with younger patients. Adolescents were less likely to complete therapy (63 vs. 76%) and more likely to have unplanned dose modifications outside of protocol guidelines (23 vs. 2.7%). The 3-year EFS was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15-38) for adolescents compared with 46% (95% CI: 32-60) for those less than or equal to 13 years (P = 0.011). Forty-two (59%) adolescents with ARMS had a 3-year EFS of 13% (95% CI: 2-23) compared with 30% (95% CI: 10-51) for those less than or equal to 13 years (P = 0.032). EFS was comparable between older and younger patients with ERMS (64 vs. 55%, P = 0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there was a significant difference in EFS and protocol compliance by age, the differences in age-related toxicity are unlikely to account for this. Observed differences in pain and nausea by age could be real or be dependent on patient reporting of symptoms. Future studies in RMS should include patient-reported outcomes to better evaluate health-related quality of life.

Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the perineum in an adult: a case report

BACKGROUND

We report the case of an adult patient with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the perineum admitted to our practice at Joliot Curie Institute in Dakar. It is a rare tumor at this age and has a bad prognosis at this localization.

CASE PRESENTATION

We describe the case of a 22-year-old African man admitted for a perineal mass that had evolved over 6 months. He complained of tenesmus, obstinate constipation, and dysuria. A clinical examination revealed perineal swelling spread over his anus, scrotum, penis, testicles, and inguinal lymph nodes. A perineal ultrasound and computed tomography scan showed a large mass driving his testicles forward with regional lymph node metastases. An ultrasound-guided biopsy showed embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma on histology and immunohistochemistry, with strong positivity of neural cell adhesion molecule and myogenin while results for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, cluster of differentiation 45, synaptophysin, and chromogranin were negative. Our patient was classified T2N1M1. Outcome was quickly marked by occlusive syndrome and colostomy. Our patient did not opt for chemotherapy and died after 6 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The embryonic RMS of the adult is a rare disease. Despite the sensitivity to chemotherapy and surgery. Localization to perineum remains poor prognosis.

Conservative surgery with combined high dose rate brachytherapy for patients suffering from genitourinary and perianal rhabdomyosarcoma

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Outcome of patients with genitourinary rhabdomyosarcoma has been improved in the past, but organ preservation rates are too low. Conservative surgery with LDR-brachytherapy has been advocated, but LDR-brachytherapy is often not available. We wanted to establish a novel treatment modality combining HDR-brachytherapy and conservative surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed an organ preserving tumor resection with intraoperative placement of brachytherapy tubes. Suitable patients were selected following assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy where organ preserving surgical resection was deemed feasible. In bladder-prostate rhabdomyosarcoma, only tumors located below the bladder neck could be treated by brachytherapy. After surgery, high dose rate brachytherapy was carried out for 30-36Gy total dose.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients were treated up to now (embryonal histology n=10, alveolar histology n=1) with a median follow-up of 18months [4-80]. All patients were IRS group III. There were no significant side effects. One patient had local relapse and was successfully treated with re-excision. All other patients are in the first complete remission. One patient developed a neurogenic bladder and required creation of a Mitrofanoff stoma.

CONCLUSION

Combined conservative surgery and high dose rate brachytherapy is a treatment option for selected rhabdomyosarcoma patients. The paper highlights the essential technical challenges and clearly shows limitations of this treatment approach.

Misdiagnosis of primary pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma of the right thigh in a young adult: A case report

Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (PRMS) is a rare type of soft tissue tumor accounting for <2% of all adult sarcomas. The present study describes a case of a 28-year-old male patient with primary PRMS of the right thigh. The patient was initially diagnosed with a schwannoma and underwent conservative therapy at a local hospital. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient reported a marked increase in the size of the mass. Finally, the patient underwent fine-needle aspiration and total tumor resection. The tumor measured 11×9×5 cm3 in size and was located in the vastus intermedius muscle. According to histological and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of PRMS was confirmed by an expert pathology consultant. Postoperative follow-up at 3 months revealed no evidence of recurrent disease or residual side effects from therapy. However, it is imperative that such cases are closely monitored following surgery, in order to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the procedure, since misdiagnosis may increase the risk of recurrence and metastasis. The present case is noteworthy due to the misdiagnosis of PRMS, the large size of the mass and the young age of the patient.

Patterns of failure for rhabdomyosarcoma of the perineal and perianal region

PURPOSE

To analyze prognostic factors and patterns of failure for rhabdomyosarcoma of the perineal and perianal region (PRMS), with an emphasis on radiation therapy for locoregional control.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Detailed records of all 14 patients treated for PRMS at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1998 and 2012 were reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS), and a competing-risks analysis was used to assess the cumulative incidence of local, regional, and distant failures.

RESULTS

Median age was 15.8 years (range, 1.1-31.9 years). High-risk features were identified: 9 of 14 patients (64%) had group 3 disease and 3 of 14 (21%) had group 4; 11 of 14 tumors (78%) were alveolar; 12 of 14 tumors (86%) were ≥5 cm; and 9 of 14 patients (64%) had involved lymph nodes (N1). Of those aged ≥10 years at diagnosis, 9 of 10 (90%) had alveolar histology, all had tumors ≥5 cm, and 8 of 10 (80%) presented with N1 disease. The rates of local, regional, and distant failure at 5 years were 17%, 31%, and 52%, respectively. Although 3 of the 4 patients with regional failure received nodal irradiation, only one of the nodal failures occurred in the radiation therapy field. The 5-year EFS was 33%, and OS was 39%. Age ≥10 years was associated with poor outcomes: EFS was 13% in patients aged ≥10 years, compared with 75% in those aged <10 years (P=.04); the OS was 13% in patients aged ≥10 years, compared with 100% in those aged <10 years (P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PRMS, especially those aged ≥10 years, present with poor prognostic features and continue to have poor outcomes. Given the high incidence of regional node recurrence, we recommend prophylactic ilioinguinal lymph node irradiation for all patients aged ≥10 years. For children aged <10 years, nodal evaluation is essential to determine the role for lymph node irradiation.