THE TREATMENT OF ORBITAL RHABDOMYOSARCOMA OF CHILDREN WITH PRIMARY RADIATION THERAPY

High-dose radiation therapy was given to the orbital contents in an attempt at sterilization of localized rhabdomyosarcoma.Local tumor control was achieved in all 15 patients. Ten have survived sufficiently long to believe they may be cured. Seven retain vision.Cataract formation must be expected with the technique employed but its severity may be reduced with newer techniques.Local extension to paranasal sinuses and even to ipsilateral neck lymph nodes has been controlled.Elective systemic chemotherapy may decrease the incidence of clinically evident metastases.