Pediatric Head and Neck Rhabdomyosarcoma: An Analysis of Treatment and Survival in the United States (1975-2016)

Abstract Introduction Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue head and neck sarcoma in children. Stringent analysis of survival data is imperative to optimize treatment. Methods The National Cancer Database (NCDB, 2004-2016) and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER, 1975-2016) were queried for patients ages 0-19 with RMS of the head and neck. Survival trends were analyzed using univariable logistic regression and Chi-square pairwise comparisons. Survival by treatment was analyzed using log-rank tests, Kaplan Meier, and multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression. Results 1147 (63.3% age Conclusions Major prognostic factors for survival in childhood RMS of the head and neck were embryonal histology, orbital site, extent of disease, and use of SRT for orbital tumors. Larger population studies are required to demonstrate survival differences between treatment modalities for other sites.