Rhabdomyosarcoma: Evaluation of IRS III Protocol used in Cancer Hospital (INCA) Rio de Janeiro 1988-1993

Abstract

Thirty nine Rhabdomyosarcoma patients aged 0-21 years were studied. They were registered at the in Hospital between January 1988 and December 1993. Their treatment, stage, histologic groups and distribution by primary site were based on IRS 111 (Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study) protocol. Survival curves were plotted for two differents groups. The first one included all patients. The initial moment was the begining of the therapy, and the final event the last observation date. For the second group, the initial moment was the end of therapy for those in complete remission and the final event was the last observation or relapse of the disease. The method used was the Kaplan - Meier Survival Tables. Toxicity was moderate and there was no fatal toxicity. The seven-year survival rate was 49,2% for the first group, with the median follow-up of29 months. The survival for rate the second group, with 21 patients, was 78% in six years, with median follow-up of 32 months. The proportion of patients with advanced disease (92%) was high, and we conclude that the results are similar to those reported by the International literature and therapeutic regimens are safe.