Wilms’ Tumor Treatment in Children | ID Cancer Center
What Is Wilms’ Tumor?
Wilms’ tumor is a childhood kidney cancer that starts when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably inside one or both kidneys.Most cases are sporadic, but some may be linked to genetic syndromes.
Types of Wilms’ Tumor
Favorable Histology – majority of cases; excellent prognosis
Unfavorable (Anaplastic) Histology – less common; requires more intensive treatment
Favorable Histology – majority of cases; excellent prognosis
Unfavorable (Anaplastic) Histology – less common; requires more intensive treatment
Causes & Risk Factors
While the exact cause is unknown, certain factors increase risk:
Family history of Wilms’ tumor
Congenital abnormalities (e.g., aniridia, hemihypertrophy)
Genetic syndromes like:
WAGR syndrome
Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Denys–Drash syndrome
Certain kidney birth defects
Most children with Wilms’ tumor do not have a family history.
While the exact cause is unknown, certain factors increase risk:
Family history of Wilms’ tumor
Congenital abnormalities (e.g., aniridia, hemihypertrophy)
Genetic syndromes like:
WAGR syndrome
Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome
Denys–Drash syndrome
Certain kidney birth defects
Most children with Wilms’ tumor do not have a family history.
Signs & Symptoms
Parents may notice symptoms during bathing or dressing. Common signs include:
A painless abdominal lump (most common)
Abdominal swelling
Pain or discomfort
Blood in urine (hematuria)
Fever
Loss of appetite
High blood pressure
Nausea or vomiting
Any persistent abdominal swelling in a child should be evaluated promptly.
Parents may notice symptoms during bathing or dressing. Common signs include:
A painless abdominal lump (most common)
Abdominal swelling
Pain or discomfort
Blood in urine (hematuria)
Fever
Loss of appetite
High blood pressure
Nausea or vomiting
Any persistent abdominal swelling in a child should be evaluated promptly.
Diagnosis of Wilms’ Tumor at I D Cancer Center
We follow a comprehensive, accurate diagnostic process:
We follow a comprehensive, accurate diagnostic process:
1. Ultrasound Abdomen
First-line investigation to detect kidney masses.
First-line investigation to detect kidney masses.
2. CT Scan / MRI
Determines tumor size, kidney involvement, and spread to other organs.
Determines tumor size, kidney involvement, and spread to other organs.
3. Chest CT
To check for lung metastasis.
To check for lung metastasis.
4. Blood Tests
Evaluate kidney function, anemia, and overall health.
Evaluate kidney function, anemia, and overall health.
5. Biopsy (Selective Cases)
Used when diagnosis is uncertain.
Used when diagnosis is uncertain.
Staging of Wilms’ Tumor
Stage I: Tumor limited to kidney, completely removable
Stage II: Tumor extends beyond kidney but fully removable
Stage III: Residual tumor remains in abdomen
Stage IV: Spread to lungs, liver, bones, or brain
Stage V: Tumors in both kidneys (bilateral disease)
Staging guides treatment intensity.
Stage I: Tumor limited to kidney, completely removable
Stage II: Tumor extends beyond kidney but fully removable
Stage III: Residual tumor remains in abdomen
Stage IV: Spread to lungs, liver, bones, or brain
Stage V: Tumors in both kidneys (bilateral disease)
Staging guides treatment intensity.
Treatment Options at I D Cancer Center
Wilms’ tumor has one of the highest cure rates among childhood cancers. Treatment is multimodal:
Wilms’ tumor has one of the highest cure rates among childhood cancers. Treatment is multimodal:
1. Surgery
Nephrectomy (removal of affected kidney)
Partial nephrectomy for bilateral disease
Performed by experienced pediatric surgeons to preserve long-term kidney function.
Nephrectomy (removal of affected kidney)
Partial nephrectomy for bilateral disease
Performed by experienced pediatric surgeons to preserve long-term kidney function.
2. Chemotherapy
Most children receive chemotherapy either:
Before surgery (to shrink tumor)
After surgery (to prevent recurrence)
Common regimens include:
Vincristine
Dactinomycin
Doxorubicin
Most children receive chemotherapy either:
Before surgery (to shrink tumor)
After surgery (to prevent recurrence)
Common regimens include:
Vincristine
Dactinomycin
Doxorubicin
3. Radiation Therapy (IMRT / IGRT / VMAT)
Used for:
Stage III or higher disease
Lung metastasis
Unfavorable histology
Residual tumor after surgery
At I D Cancer Center, precision radiotherapy ensures:
Minimal damage to healthy organs
Excellent tumor control
Better long-term outcomes for growing children
Used for:
Stage III or higher disease
Lung metastasis
Unfavorable histology
Residual tumor after surgery
At I D Cancer Center, precision radiotherapy ensures:
Minimal damage to healthy organs
Excellent tumor control
Better long-term outcomes for growing children
4. Targeted & Advanced Therapies
Used for relapse or high-risk tumors based on genetic findings.
Used for relapse or high-risk tumors based on genetic findings.
