3 Restricted Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment Options

Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment - A rhabdoid tumor is a rare and aggressive type of cancer. It most commonly affects children but can also occur in adults. Rhabdoid tumors are usually fast-growing and challenging to treat.

They are often resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is often the only treatment option for rhabdoid tumors.

RRhabdoid tumors can occur in any body part, but they most commonly affect the brain, kidneys, and liver. A rhabdoid tumor is also called an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT brain cancer).

Rhabdoid kidney tumors are also called rhabdoid renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Rhabdoid tumors are sporadic. They account for less than 1% of all childhood cancers.

Rhabdoid tumors are more common in children than adults. The average age at diagnosis is two years old. Children with rhabdoid tumors are often very ill and have a poor prognosis.

An atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor is a very aggressive cancer that proliferates and can spread to other body parts. The average rhabdoid tumor cancer life expectancy is about 50%. ATRT brain cancer is often resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Causes and Risk Factors of Rhabdoid Tumors

The cause of rhabdoid tumors is unknown. However, researchers have identified a genetic mutation that may play a role in developing these tumors. The mutated gene is called the INI1 gene. This gene helps to control cell growth and division and is located on chromosome 22. ATRT brain cancer occurs when the INI1 gene is mutated. This mutation causes the gene to stop working correctly, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development.
Rhabdoid tumors cannot be passed down from parents to children because they are not hereditary. However, families with a history of rhabdoid tumors may be at an increased risk of developing the condition.

There are several risk factors for rhabdoid tumors. Some of these include:

• Being diagnosed with a rhabdoid tumor at an early age
• Having a family history of rhabdoid tumors
• Being male
• Having specific genetic mutations, such as the INI1 gene mutation
• Exposure to radiation therapy

Rhabdoid tumors are more common in males than females. Rhabdoid tumors occur more frequently in certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans and Hispanics.
Specific genetic mutations may increase the risk of developing rhabdoid tumors. The most common mutation is the INI1 gene, which helps to control cell growth and division. Rhabdoid tumors occur when the INI1 gene is mutated.

 Symptoms of Rhabdoid Tumor

Rhabdoid Tumor Symptoms depend on the location and size of the tumor. Rhabdoid tumors that occur in the brain can cause several symptoms, including:

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Vision problems
• Seizures
• Changes in mood or behavior

Rhabdoid tumors that occur in the kidney can cause several symptoms, including:

• Pain in the side or back
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent urination
• Feeling tired and weak
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Rhabdoid tumors that occur in the liver can cause several symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Rhabdoid tumors can also cause several general symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment

Rhabdoid tumors are very aggressive and challenging to treat. They are often resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery for rhabdoid tumor treatment is regularly the only option. However, the tumor frequently proliferates, and surgery is not always viable. If surgery is possible, the goal is to remove as much of the cancer as possible.

Several chemotherapy drugs may be effective for treating rhabdoid tumors. These include:

• Cyclophosphamide
• Doxorubicin
• Etoposide
• Ifosfamide
• Mechlorethamine
• Vincristine

Doctors often use these drugs in combination with each other, but rhabdoid tumors frequently recur after treatment. The cancer may also become resistant to chemotherapy over time. Children with rhabdoid tumors regularly undergo radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may shrink the tumor before surgery or treat tumors that have recurred after treatment.
There is no cure for rhabdoid tumors. However, with treatment, some children can survive for numerous years. The average survival rate for children with rhabdoid tumors is about 50%.

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