Wilms tumour (nephroblastoma)
Prepared with OnCo (onco.cc/prep/wilms-tumor/). Orientation, not medical advice; your team knows your case.
My details
What I know, what is unclear, changes to discuss
Saved in this browserMy questions
16 on the sheet- 1.What is my exact diagnosis, stage, and grade, and which tests established them?
- 2.Which biomarkers have been tested on my tumour (for example Stage, Histology: anaplasia; SIOP risk group after pre-op chemotherapy, 1p and 16q loss of heterozygosity, 1q gain, TP53 mutation), and what were the results?
- 3.Which subtype is my cancer, and does that change the recommended treatment?
- 4.Is germline (inherited) genetic testing recommended for me or my family?
- 5.For my situation (very low risk (stage i fh, <2 years, <550 g)), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 6.For my situation (stage i-ii favourable histology), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 7.Am I a candidate for Vincristine, Dactinomycin (actinomycin D), and what side effects should I expect?
- 8.For my situation (stage iii-iv favourable histology), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 9.Am I a candidate for Vincristine, Dactinomycin (actinomycin D), Doxorubicin, and what side effects should I expect?
- 10.For my situation (diffuse anaplastic or relapsed), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 11.Am I a candidate for Cyclophosphamide, Carboplatin, Etoposide or related drugs, and what side effects should I expect?
- 12.Are there clinical trials I could join, for example of Vincristine, Dactinomycin (actinomycin D)?
- 13.Would a second opinion at a high-volume centre change anything, and can you help arrange it?
- 14.What supportive care (symptom control, nutrition, exercise, mental health, financial help) is available from the start?
- 15.I read that “Diffuse anaplastic and relapsed disease: survival ~50% or lower”. How does that affect my plan?
- 16.I read that “Global inequity: Wilms is curable, yet most children with it worldwide lack access to the treatment that cures it; adapted regimens (SIOP PODC) are the response”. How does that affect my plan?
The words I may hear
- Nephrectomy: Removing a kidney (radical) or just the tumour-bearing part of it (partial).
- Germline vs somatic mutations: Germline mutations are inherited and in every cell; somatic mutations arise in the tumour only.
Tests and results to bring
Biomarker results to ask for: Stage (COG or SIOP post-chemotherapy), Histology: anaplasia; SIOP risk group after pre-op chemotherapy (blastemal-type = high risk), 1p and 16q loss of heterozygosity (COG), 1q gain, TP53 mutation (anaplastic), Tumour weight and age (surgery-only eligibility), Germline WT1 / 11p15 testing.
Scans and tests linked to this cancer: Active surveillance, Germline (hereditary) testing, Ultrasound.
Bring copies of scan reports, pathology and blood results, and a list of every medicine and supplement.
The treatments I may be offered
- Very low risk (stage I FH, <2 years, <550 g): Nephrectomy alone with close surveillance (AREN0532). (Active surveillance)
- Stage I-II favourable histology: Nephrectomy then vincristine + actinomycin D for 18 weeks (EE-4A), or SIOP pre-op VA ×4 weeks then stage-adapted post-op therapy. (Vincristine, Dactinomycin (actinomycin D))
- Stage III-IV favourable histology: Vincristine, actinomycin D, doxorubicin (DD-4A) for 24 weeks; flank/abdominal radiotherapy for stage III; whole-lung radiotherapy for lung metastases not in rapid complete response (AREN0533). (Vincristine, Dactinomycin (actinomycin D), Doxorubicin, IMRT / IGRT (modern external beam))
- Diffuse anaplastic or relapsed: Intensive UH-1/UH-2 (vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, etoposide) with radiotherapy; relapse: ICE-type regimens, surgery, RT, high-dose therapy or trials. (Cyclophosphamide, Carboplatin, Etoposide, Doxorubicin, Ifosfamide)
From the standard of care recorded for this cancer; which apply depends on your stage and biomarkers. Ask which the team recommends and why.