3 Restricted Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment Options

Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment – A rhabdoid brain 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 difficult to treat. They are typically resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery is frequently the only treatment option for rhabdoid tumors.

Rhabdoid tumors can occur in any part of the body, but they most commonly impact the brain, kidney, and liver. A rhabdoid brain tumor is also called a malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRTs). Rhabdoid tumors of the kidney are also called rhabdoid renal cell carcinomas (RCCs). Rhabdoid tumors are very rare. 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 2 years old. Children with rhabdoid tumors are frequently very ill and have a poor prognosis.

A malignant rhabdoid tumor is a very aggressive cancer. They grow rapidly and can spread to other parts of the body. Rhabdoid tumors are 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 the development of these tumors. The mutated gene is called the INI1 gene. This gene helps to control cell growth and division. The INI1 gene is located on chromosome 22. Rhabdoid tumors occur when the INI1 gene is mutated. This mutation causes the gene to stop working properly. This can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and the development of a tumor.

Rhabdoid tumors are not hereditary. This means that they cannot be passed down from parents to children. 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 certain 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.

Certain genetic mutations may increase the risk of developing rhabdoid tumors. The most common mutation is the INI1 gene mutation. This gene helps to control cell growth and division. Rhabdoid tumors occur when the INI1 gene is mutated.

Rhabdoid Tumor Symptoms 

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

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

Rhabdoid tumors that occur in the kidney can cause a number of 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 a number of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Rhabdoid tumors can also cause a number of general symptoms, such as:
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment

Rhabdoid tumors are very aggressive and difficult 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 grows so rapidly that surgery is not always viable. If surgery is possible, the goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible.

There are several chemotherapy drugs that may be effective for treating rhabdoid tumors. These include:

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

These drugs are often used in combination with each other. Rhabdoid tumors often recur after treatment. The tumor may also become resistant to chemotherapy over time. Children with rhabdoid tumors regularly undergo radiation therapy. Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to 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%.