AMORE protocol in pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma: descriptive analysis of failure patterns.
BACKGROUND
The AMORE protocol is a local treatment for patients with nonorbital pediatric head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS). The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess the adequacy of the concept, and (2) to identify factors associated with relapse.


METHODS
We performed a retrospective multidisciplinary review of 22 children primarily treated according to the AMORE protocol, excluding two children with inadequate imaging data.


RESULTS
Seven patients had a local relapse, six within and one outside the residual tumor area. Five of the six patients with relapse in the residual area had gross total or debulking (incomplete) surgery, suboptimal position of the mold for brachytherapy, or both. In the 15 nonrecurrent cases, four patients had either incomplete surgery or suboptimal mold position. Both surgical and brachytherapeutic factors seem to be associated with relapse.


CONCLUSIONS
AMORE is an adequate concept. More rigid preoperative imaging and intraoperative verification of the brachytherapy mold position might lead to a reduction in the number of local failures.
Buwalda
Joeri
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, PO Box 22700, 1100 DE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. J.Buwalda @kmb.azu.nl
Freling
Nicole J
NJ
Blank
Leo E C M
LE
Balm
Alfons J M
AJ
Bras
Johannes
J
Voûte
Paul A
PA
Caron
Huib N
HN
Schouwenburg
Paul F
PF
Merks
Johannes H M
JH
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001918:Brachytherapy / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003609:Dactinomycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D037981:Neck Dissection / Q000379:methods; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009426:Netherlands; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012208:Rhabdomyosarcoma / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014750:Vincristine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007496:Iridium Radioisotopes; D003609:Dactinomycin; D014750:Vincristine