[en] Published in summary form only

[en] Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) may arise from anywhere in the body, and RMS has been recognized as one of the most frequent forms of childhood solid tumors, occurring with a frequency similar to that of Wilms tumors and neuroblastomas. However, RMS arising in the paratesticular region is rare so that an ultrasound appearance of paratesticular RMS has rarely been reported. We report the US findings of paratesticular embryonal RMS in 15 and 19 year old males

[en] Limited data exist detailing the role of salvage reirradiation following local-regional recurrence (LR) in previously irradiated pediatric patients with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

[en] Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a malignant mesenchymal tumor arising from the embryonal muscle cells (rhabdomyoblasts), and is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children and young adults accounting for 4–6% of all malignancies in this age group. Though rare overall, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common malignancy arising in the pediatric female genitourinary tract with sarcoma botryoides being the most common variant of the tumor. In young and adolescent individuals, the cervix and uterus are affected; whereas in infants, vaginal lesions are more common. Imaging plays a crucial role not only in the initial diagnosis but also in long-term follow-up of genital RMS. We describe a rare case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the vagina occurring in a 23-year-old female who presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding ever since she was a child.

[en] Published in summary form only

[en] Introduction: Rhabdomyosarcomas in the orbit form a major challenge in terms of cure without severe side effects in childhood cancer. Our specifically developed approach consists of applying brachytherapy to the tumor area using a mold. Analysis of its results for 20 patients was performed. Methods and Materials: Thirteen patients were referred for brachytherapy if complete remission was not reached after chemotherapy (Group I) and 7 in case of relapse (Group II). In total, 20 patients were treated between 1991 and 2007. Four were female and 16 male; their ages varied from 1.1 to 16.5 years, with an average of 8.5 years. After macroscopically radical tumor resection, molds with holes drilled to hold flexible catheters were placed into the orbit. The dose to the clinical target volume was 40-50 Gy. Results: Three patients of Group I and 1 patient of Group II developed local recurrence and underwent exenteration. The progression-free survival in Group I is 71.9% (95% CI 0.44-1.0), in Group II 85.7% (95% CI 0.60-1.0), the overall 5-year survival rate of the entire group is 92% (95% CI 0.76-1.0). During treatment, no serious side effects were observed. The late complications encountered in this series were cataract in 2 patients, 1 of whom also developed mild retinopathy. Two patients with ptosis needed surgical correction. No facial asymmetries or bone growth anomalies were observed. Conclusions: This entire procedure of brachytherapy with a mold offers a tailor-made treatment for orbital rhabdomyosarcomas with only few signs of late toxicity.

[en] A brief account on the advances in the prognosis of childrens' malignant tumours. An intense interdisciplinary cooperation of paediatricians, surgeons, chemotherapists and radiotherapists is given. (H.E.)

[en] One case of rhabdomyosarcoma of the uterus (type III) is reported. The patient was a seven-year-old with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Ultrasound has been shown to be valuable in the diagnosis, for defining the initial extend of disease and follow-up after chemotherapy which is important with the advent of more conservative forms of therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma. (author)

[en] For infants with localized rhabdomyosarcoma who were enrolled on Children's Oncology Group ARST0331 and ARST0531, local therapy guidelines were provided, but adherence was not mandated because of toxicity concerns. We examined adherence to protocol for local therapy guidelines, treatment variations, and outcomes for these patients.

[en] Utilization of radiation therapy has resulted in major gains in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma. The impact of routine use of irradiation in both organ function preservation and comesis as well as disease free survival will be demonstrated in children with pelvic and para meningeal primary lesions. Results of a recent international symposium on RMS emphasizing the impact of routine irradiation in most to minimize the impact of treatment on normal, developing tissues as well as decrease significantly