Treatments for metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma

Last medical review:

The following are treatment options for metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). Metastatic RMS means that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The healthcare team will suggest treatments based on your child's needs and work with you to develop a treatment plan.

Radiation therapy may be used to treat RMS that has spread to the brain, spinal cord or lungs.

Chemotherapy may also be used to treat metastatic RMS.

Surgery is not usually used to treat metastatic RMS.

Clinical trials

Children with cancer may be treated in a clinical trial. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, find and treat cancer. Find out more about clinical trials.

Expert review and references

  • Paul Nathan, MD, MSc, FRCPC
  • Normand Laperriere, MD, FRCPC
  • PDQ® Pediatric Treatment Editorial Board . Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma Treatment (PDQ®) – Health Professional Version . Bethesda, MD : National Cancer Institute ; 2020 : https://www.cancer.gov/.

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