Survival Rates for Rhabdomyosarcoma by Risk Group

Survival rates are often used by doctors as a standard way of discussing a person’s prognosis (outlook). Some people may want to know the survival statistics for those in similar situations, while others may not find the numbers helpful, or may even not want to know them. If you would rather not read about the survival rates, skip to the next section, Treating Rhabdomyosarcoma

When discussing cancer survival statistics, doctors often use a number called the 5-year survival rate. The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. Of course, many people live much longer than 5 years (and many are cured).

To get 5-year survival rates, doctors have to look at people who were treated at least 5 years ago. Improvements in treatment since then might result in a better outlook for patients being diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) now.

Survival rates are often based on previous outcomes of large numbers of people who had the disease, but they can’t predict what will happen in any person’s case. For a person with RMS, the risk group is important in estimating their outlook. But many other factors can also affect a person’s outlook, such as their age, the location of the tumor, certain gene changes in the cancer cells, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.

Here are general survival statistics based on risk groups. These numbers come from large clinical trials treating children with RMS in the 1980s and 1990s.

Low-risk group

Overall, the 5-year survival rate for children in the low-risk group is over 90%. Most of these children will be cured.

Intermediate-risk group

For those in the intermediate-risk group, the 5-year survival rates range from about 60% to about 80%. The rate varies based on tumor location, stage, and the age of the child (children aged 1 to 9 tend to do better than older or younger children).

High-risk group

If the cancer has spread widely, the 5-year survival rate is generally around 20% to 40%. Again, it’s important to note that other factors, such as the patient’s age and the site and type of tumor will affect these numbers. For example, children with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) and limited spread (to only 1 or 2 distant sites) have a higher 5-year survival rate. Also, children 1 to 9 years of age tend to have a better outlook than younger or older patients.

Even when taking risk groups and other factors into account, survival rates are at best rough estimates. Your child’s doctor is your best source of information on this topic, as he or she knows your situation best.