Complete Regression of Rhabdomyosarcoma in an Adult Secondary to Postoperative Wound Infection Following Limb Salvage Surgery: A Case Report

Case presentation A 33-year old man presented with a 25-cm lower extremity embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma with presumed extensive nodal metastasis on positron emission topography scan. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation provided minimal response. Following limb salvage resection and flap coverage, a prolonged postoperative infection occurred requiring intravenous antibiotics and wound care over 5 months. Given the infection, no postoperative radiation or chemotherapy was administered. Eight months following surgery, positron emission topography scan showed complete regression of local and nodal disease. The patient has remained in complete remission for more than 4 years. Conclusion Postoperative wound infection leading to complete regression of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma has not been reported. Stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune system through infectious elements is an area of ongoing immunotherapy research to improve sarcoma treatment outcomes.