The treatment results of orbital rhabdomyosarcoma: three case reports

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common malignant soft-tissue tumor in childhood. The orbit is the primary site in 9-10% of these tumors. In childhood orbital RMS, the 5-year overall survival rates have increased to the rates of 85- 90% with the use of multidisciplinary approach. In this study, the early results of two males and one female patients treated with ERT in our clinic were evaluated. While two patients received external radiotherapy after induction chemotherapy, the other one received concomittantly. ERT was given to all patients in a fraction size of 1.6-1.8 Gy per day to a total dose of 41.4-50.4 Gy. After ERT, in a short period of time, symptomatic and radiologic response were achieved in all patients. External radiotherapy plays a critical role in maintaining a sustainable long term local control and rapid symptomatic relief. To maintain the succesful results without degrading the quality of life in childhood orbital RMS; modern computerized planning systems, 3-D conformal radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy and proton therapy are being used.

Keywords: Orbital; rhabdomyosarcoma