Postoperative chemotherapy in the National Wilms' Tumor Studies

There has been substantial improvement in survival in patients with Wilms' tumor over the last 30 years in the United States. This has been the direct result of the efforts of the National Wilms' Tumor Study Group. This group was established in 1969 through the conglomeration of pediatric divisions of two existing cooperative study groups for the purpose of accruing large enough patient populations to conduct meaningful clinical trials. Thus far, four National Wilms' tumor trials have been completed. The fifth study is currently accepting patients for treatment. This article reviews the remarkable success in the treatment of Wilms' tumor and the evolution of present day postoperative therapy.