European journal of cancer : official journal for European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) [and] European Association for Cancer Research (EACR)
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Over 50% of patients with newly diagnosed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are in the 'intermediate risk' group with a 3-year progression-free survival of approximately 65%. This group consists of stage 1, group III, non-orbit tumours; stage 2, group II and III; and all stage 3 patients utilising the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) staging system. The role of doxorubicin in the treatment of RMS has been controversial. ⋯ Alternating cycles of VDC and EI are an effective treatment for patients with intermediate risk RMS and US. Toxicity is tolerable. Delaying local treatment until week 12 does not compromise outcome.