Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A safe treatment option for intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma in children below 5 years of age

Abstract

Advanced and relapsed intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcomas in young children represent an oncological challenge and options for local tumor control are limited. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is commonly used in advanced peritoneal tumors in adults. However, no studies are available regarding CRS and HIPEC in young children. We report our experiences treating six patients with intraperitoneal rhabdomyosarcoma with CRS and HIPEC using cisplatin and doxorubicin focusing on safety and outcomes. No procedure-associated mortalities occurred and no major short- or long-term toxicities were recorded. All patients showed no evidence of disease after 12-month median (7-41) follow-up.

Keywords: childhood cancer; cytoreductive surgery; hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy; rhabdomyosarcoma; sarcomatosis; toxicity.