Elevate Rhabdo
What is Rhabdomyosarcoma?
An Overview of Rhabdomyosarcoma
Learn More About Rhabdomyosarcoma
Rhabdomyosarcoma (also called Rhabdo or RMS) is a highly aggressive form of cancer that develops from mesenchymal cells that have failed to fully differentiate into myocytes of skeletal muscle. Cells of the tumor are identified as rhabdomyoblasts. Rhabdomyosarcoma can arise anywhere in the body where connective tissue and/or muscle tissue exists, and much less commonly the cell of origin can be in the jaw or pelvis bone.
Rhabdomyosarcoma is one of nearly 100 different forms of sarcoma, most of which affect adults. RMS is one of three types of sarcoma (cancer) commonly found in children: RMS, Osteosarcoma, and Ewing’s sarcoma.
The four known subtypes are embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS), alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS), spindle-cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (ssRMS) and pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (primarily affecting only adults). Embryonal and alveolar are the main groups, and these types are the most common soft tissue sarcomas of childhood and adolescence.
Overall, RMS is a complex and heterogenous cancer, which has been recently explored through genomic sequencing.
What causes Rhabdomyosarcoma?
There is little known about the causes of RMS. In most cases there is no clear predisposing risk. However, there are certain genetic conditions that can predispose a person to developing rhabdomyosarcoma.
What are others saying about Elevate Rhabdo?
“Being a part of Elevate has been an encouragement! Not just talking about it, but doing! Walking alongside my son through his 3rd cancer diagnosis is very hard! Being a part of the [Elevate] Rhabdo workgroup and attending the meetings brings encouragement that there is a small, but mighty group waiting to do something and make a difference. Collaborating with other advocacy groups in the process brings hope that by working together changes will happen sooner than later! ”
–Jessica Jackson, Keaton’s mom & Elevate Rhabdo workgroup member
“My involvement with Elevate Rhabdo has been deeply transformative, both personally and as an advocate for families facing childhood cancer. At the heart of 'Taylor's Dream', (a non-profit based in Texas), is the mission to create lasting memories for families, echoing Taylor's wish for a normal childhood. Collaborating with a dedicated group of women and men in Elevate Rhabdo has been instrumental in my healing journey through grief. Together, we strive to advocate for improved treatments and targeted therapies, aiming to shape a brighter and healthier future for our children."
–Amber Friesen, Taylor’s Mom, Taylor’s Dream founder & Elevate Rhabdo workgroup member
Are you a parent, advocate, caregiver or survivor of Rhabdo?
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Help us dramatically improve the lives of those diagnosed with Rhabdo and use your voice of experience as we reimagine treatment for those diagnosed!
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and Advocacy, Inc.
is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
EIN: 93-2185372
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