Outcomes and prognostic factors after recurrence in children and adolescents with nonmetastatic rhabdomyosarcoma

The results of the current analysis demonstrated that groups with a different prognosis can be identified among patients with recurrent RMS. Patients with a nonalveolar histology, a primary site other than the parameningeal or "other" sites, local recurrence, and recurrence off therapy had a better prognosis. First-line treatment may have an impact on prognostic variables. In fact, patients who had no or only one risk factor and patients who had tumors with a nonalveolar histology benefited more from salvage therapy if they had not received radiotherapy for their initial treatment. These data may be useful in planning risk-adapted salvage protocols.