Late effects of Wilms' tumor treatment

Wilms' tumor (WT) is the most frequent renal tumor in childhood. Therapeutic management progression has increased survival rates, and as a result, long-term adverse effects.

A descriptive retrospective study of a case series from 1977 to 2023 was carried out. The characteristics of the treatments received and the adverse effects listed on medical records were analyzed via phone surveys.

50 patients (25 boys-25 girls) with a mean age of 3.6 years (3 months-11 years) at diagnosis were included. Most of them (94%) were treated according to the protocol established by the European standards of pediatric oncology, which are characterized by the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In one patient, the American treatment scheme was followed. The most common drugs used were vincristine and actinomycin D (78%). Only 12 patients (28%) received anthracyclines. Unilateral nephrectomy was the most frequent surgical technique (84%). Renal disorders were the most common (46%). However, the occurrence of second neoplasias (9%) and reproductive disorders (8% between boys and girls) had a greater impact on patients' quality of life. Multiple - cardiac (23%), endocrine (26%), and pulmonary (15%) - disorders associated with the treatments received were reported.

WT treatment has an impact on health. Adequate and rigorous surgery, close follow-up, and limiting chemotherapy doses and radiation exposure can minimize long-term sequels.