Navigating Management of Spindle Cell/Sclerosing Rhabdomyosarcoma With FUS::TFCP2 Fusion in the Era of Targeted Therapy
Spindle cell/sclerosing rhabdomyosarcoma (ssRMS) with FUS-TFCP2 translocation is a rare, aggressive RMS subtype often involving facial and pelvic bones and showing poor response to standard therapy. The FUS-TFCP2 fusion drives ALK gene activation and overexpression, suggesting ALK as a therapeutic target, though clinical use of ALK inhibitors remains limited in this context. We report a case of mandibular ssRMS with FUS-TFCP2 fusion treated with the third-generation ALK inhibitor Lorlatinib, resulting in a marked clinical response. We also review the potential utility of ALK-targeted therapies in managing FUS-TFCP2 fusion-positive ssRMS and support further exploration of ALK inhibition in this subset.
Authors
- Arnold C. Paulino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0269-3045)
- S.Jim Farha
- Jeanie Choi
- Douglas Harrison
- Michelle D. Williams (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9133-7332)
- Olayinka Okeleji (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-3770-1139)
- Hanna Ehab
- Reeja Raj
- Laura Salvador
Institutions
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (US)
- Driscoll Children's Hospital (US)
- Radiation Oncology Associates (US)
- Pediatrics and Genetics (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
- Published
- 2025-11-11
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1097/mph.0000000000003140
- Primary Topic
- Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00