Successful treatment of a patient with stage IV rhabdoid tumor of the kidney: case report and review.

The clinical course of a 31-month-old patient with advanced (stage IV) rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) and an analysis of treatment variables that may impact survival are presented. Treatment included complete resection of abdominal disease, radiation therapy to the abdomen and chest, and chemotherapy on a schedule of dose intensification by reduction of the interval between cycles. Inclusion of doxorubicin in treatment was associated with survival among patients in published series (P = 0.002). The patient was in continuous complete remission 60 months from diagnosis. Stage IV rhabdoid tumor of the kidney can be effectively treated with intensive multimodal therapy. Doxorubicin may be an important component of a successful therapeutic regimen.