Treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma

횡문근육종의 치료

Twenty three rhabdomyosarcoma patients who were registered in Korea Cancer Center Hospital from Mar. 1985 to Apr. 1994 were analysed in the aspect of treatment and survival. Thirteen cases were male and 10 female. Average age was 29.5 years(range 1 to 66). Locations of the tumor were as follows: 13 in lower extremity, 6 in upper extremity and 4 in trunk. According to the UICC classification, stage II b was 1 case, stage III a 4, stage III b 10, stage IV a 3 and stage IV b 5. In histological categories, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma was 7 cases, alveolar 7, pleomorphic 7 and undetermined 2. Average follow up period was 35.3 months(1 tk 7.5 years). Ten cases were continuous disease free, 3 no evidence of disease, 3 alive with disease and 7 died of disease at final follow up. Kaplan-Meier's actuarial 5-year survival rate was 60.3% and 5-year continuous disease free survival rate was 31.4%, Surgical margin was an important factor in local tumor control. Although there was no definite statistical significance, our results suggest chemotherapy and radiation therapy have meaningful roles in reducing local recurrence and improving survival.