A Cohort Study of Adult Rhabdomyosarcoma: A Single Institution Experience

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an uncommon neoplasm in adult population. Outcome for adult RMS is poorly documented due to its rarity. Published series have reported worse results for adults compared with children with RMS. Eighteen adult patients with RMS whose age were 17 years and older were treated between 1979 and 2004 and were analyzed retrospectively for treatment outcome. Univariate statistical methods were used to evaluate outcome. Patient ages ranged from 17 to 70 (median 21). Embryonal RMS was the most common subtype. Anatomic sites of origin were extremity (33.3%), genitourinary tract (33.3%), head and neck (22.2%) and trunk (11.2%). Tumor size was 5 cm or smaller in 39% of patients. Regional lymph node metastasis was present in 17% of patients at presentation. Treatment consisted of radiation therapy (RT) alone in 6%, RT and surgery in 11%, RT and chemotherapy in 44% and all three modalities in 39%. With a median follow-up of 61 months, the 4-year overall survival rate was 25%. The major determinant of survival was tumor size (p=0.0337). Adult RMS is a highly malignant tumor with a significant incidence of metastatic recurrence. The current series parallels other published series in that it confirms the relatively poor long-term outcome for adult RMS patients. Continuing investigations of new and potentially more effective chemotherapy is crucial.