Factors that influence treatment decisions in childhood rhabdomyosarcoma. Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group of the Children's Cancer Group, the Pediatric Oncology Group, and the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study Group Statistical Center.

PURPOSE: To correlate TNM stage with clinical group as a function of primary site in children with rhabdomyosarcoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 547 children with nonmetastatic rhabdomyosarcoma, the disease was staged prospectively by using a TNM system and grouped according to resectability of the primary tumor. These factors were reviewed for each primary site. RESULTS: Primary tumor T status (T1, noninvasive; T2, invasive) was predictive of clinical group; 99 (36%) of 278 T1 tumors and 238 (88%) of 269 T2 tumors were nonresectable (clinical group III) (P 5 cm) was also predictive of clinical group; 111 (46%) of 240 small tumors and 226 (74%) of 307 large tumors were nonresectable (P < .0001). Regional lymph nodes (N1) were found in 62 (24%) of 253 T2 tumors but in only 21 (8%) of 277 T1 tumors and in 67 (23%) of 294 large tumors but only 16 (7%) of 236 small tumors. Site of primary tumor was predictive of outcome and correlated with local treatment received. CONCLUS...