Rhabdomyosarcoma Patient Recruitment Open: FaR-RMS

Great news for all Australian patients diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse (NSW) is the first sarcoma specialist centre in Australia to start patient recruitment for the all-important clinical trial – FaR-RMS: An overarching study for children and adults with Frontline and Relapsed RhabdoMyoSarcoma.

About FaR-RMS

The FaR-RMS study is an overarching clinical trial that optimises radiotherapy, testing of the latest promising agents, new combinations and analysing the length of therapy.

It aims to evaluate the impact for RMS patients, which will determine whether changing the duration of maintenance therapy affects the outcome and whether changes to dose, extent of disease (in metastatic disease) and timing of radiotherapy will improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.

This study is open to RMS patients (newly diagnosed, relapsed and progressive) of all ages (children, teenagers, young adults, and adults). Patient recruitment is anticipated for up to 7 years.

The FaR-RMS study will open in more Australian and New Zealand sarcoma specialists centres in due time and will be announced accordingly.

More details of the FaR-RMS study can be found here.

ANZSA, as a collaborator, wish to acknowledge the following partners:

• Australian and New Zealand Children’s Haematology/Oncology Group (ANZCHOG) as the national sponsor for Australia and New Zealand, with funding support from the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
• University of Birmingham (UK) as the international sponsor.

About clinical trial

Please speak to your treating team about this clinical trial on whether you are eligible for it. Remember that participation in a clinical trial is voluntary and that you never feel forced to participate in it.

Before you agree to participate in a clinical trial, it is important to be as informed as possible. It can be helpful to write down questions you have before seeing your doctor.

Here are some questions that could be useful to you.

About rhabdomyosarcoma[i]

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue — specifically skeletal muscle tissue or sometimes hollow organs such as the bladder or uterus. RMS can occur at any age, but it most often affects children.

The outlook (prognosis) and treatment decisions depend on the type of RMS, where it starts, tumour size and whether the cancer has spread. Treatment is usually with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Major advancements in the treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma have significantly improved outcomes. After completion of treatment, people need lifelong monitoring for potential late effects of intense chemotherapy and radiation.