[Management of nephroblastoma in children: current approaches and outlook]

Nephroblastoma or Wilms' tumor occurs most frequently in children. New approaches to diagnosis and treatment of this malignancy introduced for the last 15 years are reviewed. Current approaches are characterized by advances in computer noninvasive diagnostic techniques and more aggressive chemotherapy. The first line treatment is polychemotherapy (1 or 2 courses) followed by surgical intervention and postoperative drug or drug+radiation treatment. As shown by follow-up, 40% of patients with nephroblastoma stage III and IV are now free of recurrences and metastases for at least five years. Special investigations are needed to elucidate these children's quality of life, physical, social and mental fitness. Serious problems still remain in perfection of programmed treatment of children with prognostically unfavourable factors.