Summary
FaR-RMS is an over-arching study for children and adults with newly diagnosed and relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).
It is a multi-arm, multi-stage format, involving several different trial questions. FaR-RMS is intended to be a rolling programme of research with new treatment arms being introduced dependant on emerging data and innovation.
This study has multiple aims. It aims to evaluate:
- the impact of new agent regimens in both newly diagnosed and relapsed RMS;
- whether changing the duration of maintenance therapy affects outcomes;
- and whether changes to dose, extent (in metastatic disease) and timing of radiation therapy improve outcome and quality of life.
The study will also look at whether using a simple genetic test, called PAX‑FOXO1 fusion status, is a better way to identify how at‑risk a patient is compared with the traditional method of examining the tumour under a microscope. It will also investigate whether early changes seen on an FDG PET‑CT scan, taken after the first phase of chemotherapy, can help predict how well a patient is likely to do in the long term.
Who can take part?
Newly diagnosed patients should, where possible, be entered into the FaR-RMS study at time of first diagnosis prior to receiving any chemotherapy. However, patients can enter at the point of radiation therapy or maintenance, and those with relapsed disease can enter the study even if not previously entered at initial diagnosis. Patients may be entered into more than one randomisation/registration, dependant on patient risk group and disease status.
Speak with your doctor about whether you might be eligible - each arm and stage has different eligibility criteria.