VCU Massey Cancer Center

Long-term outlook for a child with rhabdomyosarcoma

Prognosis greatly depends on:

• The extent of the disease.
• The size and location of the tumor. 
• Presence or absence of metastasis. 
• The tumor’s response to therapy. 
• The age and overall health of your child. 
• Your child’s tolerance of specific medications, procedures or therapies. 
•  New developments in treatment.

As with any cancer, prognosis and long-term survival can vary greatly from child to child. Prompt medical attention and aggressive therapy are important for the best prognosis. Continuous follow-up care is essential if your child is diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma. Side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, as well as second malignancies, can occur in survivors of rhabdomyosarcoma.