Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary organs

We report on 14 patients with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the genitourinary organs treated with combined modality therapy. Six patients with paratesticular lesions are free of tumor 7 to 72 months (mean 44) after diagnosis, while 6 of 8 with pelvic lesions are free of tumor 18 to 132 months (mean 61) following diagnosis. Two patients died of metastases. Over-all, 2-year survival free of relapse was obtained in 9 of 11 patients (81 per cent). Of 4 patients with pelvic lesions who were treated with primary radiation-chemotherapy without exenteration 3 were managed successfully but 1 required urinary diversion for vesical fibrosis. Current concepts in the management of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma are discussed.