Randomized Study of Vincristine, Dactinomycin and Cyclophosphamide (VAC) Versus VAC Alternating With Vincristine and Irinotecan (VI) for Patients With Intermediate-Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS)

This randomized phase III trial is studying two different combination chemotherapy regimens
to compare how well they work when given together with radiation therapy in treating patients
with newly diagnosed rhabdomyosarcoma. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as vincristine
sulfate, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and irinotecan hydrochloride, work in different ways
to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from
dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving combination
chemotherapy together with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. It is not yet known
which combination chemotherapy regimen is more effective when given together with radiation
therapy in treating patients with rhabdomyosarcoma.