Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor (MRT)

The Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor is a rare and aggressive tumor that is found in the central nervous system, the kidneys, and the abdominal cavity.  Because of its rarity, there is little information known about the pathology.  Originally thought to be a variation of the Wilms' Tumor, MRT was recognized as its own classification of cancer in the late 1970s.  Very few children are diagnosed with MRT annually and when they are, it is usually within the first year or two of the child's life.  Scientists have found a relationship between MRT and a mutation of the INI1 gene.  Current treatment involves powerful chemotherapy drugs, surgery, and radiation therapy.  The prognosis is poor.  However, due to the tumor's rarity and our lack of information, no one can predict the rate of survival. For more information, please visit www.cancer.org

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Additional Resources

http://www.cureatrt.org/
http://www.bostonkids.org/
http://www.jimmyfund.org/abo/jimmy/default.html
http://www.dana-farber.org/
http://www.biomedexperts.com/Concept.bme/27572/Rhabdoid_Tumor
http://www.thechaseryanolsenfoundation.net