Rhabdomyosarcoma: response with chemotherapy prior to radiation in patients with gross residual disease.

One hundred and ten Group III patients enrolled in the IRS Study have been reviewed. Of these, 39 are fully and 56 are partially evaluable. Combining the data for both groups 77/95 (81%) have shown complete or partial response/no measurable disease and this has been maintained in 53/95 (56%). No patient received premature RT for local progression during the time of pre-radiation chemotherapy. However, 15/95 patients have shown local recurrence or direct extension to neighboring tissues; 13/15 could be reviewed. Only 3/13 have recurred at a time related to the delay in starting radiation. Overall survival for Group III patients is 72%-85% (Regimen F and Regimen E respectively).