TREATMENT OF RHABDOMYOSARCOMA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT FROM 4 LOW HEALTH EXPENDITURES AVERAGE RATES (LHEAR) COUNTRIES

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose To evaluate outcome of children and adolescent treated for rhabdomyosarcoma in four low health expenditure average rate (LHEAR) European countries.

Patients and Methods 178 children and adolescent were treated for rhabdomyosarcoma from January 2000 to December 2015. Treatment was diverse across participating countries, based of different protocols and local capacity to deliver specific surgery or radiotherapy.

Results Age and site distribution of patients is in line with published data. Number of patients with localized disease and nodal involvement (24%) or metastatic disease (27%) is almost as twice as high as expected. All patients received chemotherapy, 102 (57%) were irradiated and 113 (63%) operated at any time of treatment. At 5 overall survival (OS) was 59,6% and event free survival 50,7%. OS for patients with localised disease was 72% and 24% for patients with metastatic disease.

Conclusion Reported survival in our study is 10% lower than in high income European countries. Active participation of LHEAR countries in international would commit clinicians to prospectively report patient and treatment data and also offer them support from participating countries. Better insight in diagnostics and treatment would allow recognition of country specific problems and place for improvement.