Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT)
Also called Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor of the central nervous system
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a rare, aggressive tumor of the brain or spinal cord, often associated with loss of SMARCB1 function or, less commonly, SMARCA4. Tissue and molecular testing guide diagnosis and may prompt genetic counseling.
Other names and abbreviations
AT/RT, ATRT, CNS AT/RT, atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, malignant rhabdoid brain tumor, CNS atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumour, malignant rhabdoid tumour of the CNS
In short
- AT/RT is a rare, aggressive tumor of the brain or spinal cord that mainly affects very young children, though older children and adults can get it too.
- Treatment usually combines surgery, intensive chemotherapy and radiation, adjusted for the patient's age, where the tumor sits and how far it reaches.
- Some treatment plans add high-dose chemotherapy followed by a return of the patient's own saved stem cells, so this step does not need a marrow donor.
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Where transplant fits
When Young cells that can grow into every type of blood cell: red cells that carry oxygen, white cells that fight infection and platelets that help blood clot. They are found in the bone marrow and the bloodstream. rescue is used, it normally returns the patient’s own collected cells after intensive chemotherapy. It is one component of selected multimodal regimens, not a treatment requiring an unrelated The soft, spongy tissue in the center of most bones. Red bone marrow holds the blood-forming stem cells that make red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. donor.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health.
Key facts
- Who it affects
- AT/RT mainly affects very young children, although older children and adults can be affected.
- Usual treatment
- Treatment combines approaches such as surgery, intensive chemotherapy and radiation, adapted to the child’s age, tumor location, extent and protocol. Some regimens include high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue.
- Cells used in a transplant
- The patient’s own collected blood-forming cells for autologous stem cell rescue, when that procedure is appropriate.
- Where a donor fits
- Limited transplant role
Support for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Hope4ATRT Parent-founded group sharing AT/RT treatment information and offering financial, travel and family support to families of children with AT/RT.United States
- Children's Brain Tumor Foundation Support groups, retreats, an educational advocacy program and bereavement support for children with brain and spinal cord tumors and their families.United States
- The Brain Tumour Charity Support and info line, online groups, counseling and information packs for children, adults and families affected by a brain tumor.United Kingdom
Questions to bring to your care team
- What is the exact name of the diagnosis or subtype, and what does it mean for treatment?
- What is the goal of each treatment you are suggesting?
- What would make a transplant worth considering later on?
- Are there clinical trials that might fit?
- Where can our family find support during treatment?
Sources and further reading
- Childhood Atypical Teratoid/Rhabdoid Tumor Treatment (PDQ)
NCI, Accessed 2026-09-05 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI, Accessed 2026-09-05
Other patients are waiting for a match.
Most people with atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) are treated without a registry donor. Many people with other blood cancers and blood disorders need a donor who is a stranger.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help a family run a drive
If someone you love needs a donor, a registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this guide, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
