Presentation Description:  The evolution of clinical trials for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) has differed between Europe and North America.  For example, European treatment has generally been shorter in duration, with adaptation of both chemotherapy and local control based upon resistance to initial chemotherapy.  The primary European goals have been maximizing overall survival while avoiding radiotherapy or mutilating surgery whenever possible.  In contrast, North American treatment has been longer in duration, without adaptation based upon initial response, and a routine reliance on radiotherapy for local control.  The primary North American goals have been to maximize failure-free survival to avoid the necessity of treatment.

Speakers:

Douglas S. Hawkins, MD
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine
Associate Division Chief, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Attending Physician, Seattle Children’s Hospital
Seattle, WA

Michael CG Stevens, MD
Professor of Paediatric Oncology, University of Bristol and Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, United Kingdom