PROGNOSIS OF CHILDREN UNDERGOING NEPHRECTOMY DIAGNOSED WITH WILMS TUMOR

Abstract

Wilms' tumor is the most common childhood kidney cancer, with a high cure rate, but also with considerable risks of long-term effects. Its treatment involves chemotherapy, surgery and sometimes radiotherapy, with vincristine and actinomycin being the most commonly used drugs. Tumors in more advanced stages may require additional chemotherapy. Around 85% of patients go into remission, but the relapse rate is around 15%, and survival after recurrence is around 50%. Children with nephrectomy due to Wilms' tumor need lifelong monitoring of kidney function and blood pressure, due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney failure. The use of nephron-sparing surgical techniques is being investigated to improve long-term results, especially in cases of bilateral tumors. Studies suggest that unilateral nephrectomy in childhood can lead to high cardiovascular risks after decades, highlighting the need for continuous follow-up of these patients.