Wilms Tumor

Treatment

Treatment for Wilms tumor involves surgery, cancer-fighting drugs (chemotherapy) and in some cases, radiation therapy. The cure rate for tumors found before they spread (metastasize) is very high — nearly 100 percent. If found later, the cure rate can be as high as 75 percent. Young children usually can go through treatment as outpatients and recover from effects of regular chemotherapy relatively easily. After treatment, specialists monitor longer-term disease and treatment side effects well into the patient's adulthood.

Surgery

Surgeons at Mayo Clinic treat Wilms tumor patients with partial or radical nephrectomies. The decision to perform surgery and the type of surgery selected are based on the patient's condition and the tumor's stage.

• Partial nephrectomy is used when patients have small solid masses and no other suspicious symptoms. This kidney-sparing procedure includes removal of the tumor and some kidney tissue surrounding it.
• Radical nephrectomy involves removal of the kidney and surrounding tissues including the adrenal gland. Nearby lymph nodes also may be removed.

Chemotherapy

Nearly all patients with Wilms tumor receive chemotherapy. Anti-cancer drugs are given intravenously to destroy cancerous cells. The type and duration of chemotherapy depends on the tumor's stage.

Radiation

Depending on the tumor's stage, radiation may also be required. Mayo Clinic physicians provide state-of-the-art radiation therapy. External beam radiation is also aimed at localized regions near the tumor site to kill lymph node tissue that has been invaded by cancer.

Other Treatment

Physicians may use other specialized treatments for some advanced cases. Occasionally, Mayo Clinic physicians use radiofrequency ablation for localized destruction of tumor nodules in the body. This treatment has only recently been used for Wilms tumor and may not be curative, although the long-term outcome is not yet known. Radiofrequency ablation is generally considered palliative care that makes the patient more comfortable.