Much of the research going on in the area of Wilms tumor is being done through the Children's Oncology Group (COG). The group includes doctors, nurses, and scientists whose hard work has already saved the lives of thousands of children with Wilms tumor. Ask your child's doctor if he or she works with this group.

Biology of Wilms tumors

Research is going on to figure out how changes in certain genes cause Wilms tumors and why tumors with unfavorable histology do not respond well to treatment. As doctors have learned how to treat Wilms tumors better, they have begun to look for ways to figure out which children might be spared from more intensive treatment.

They are also looking to for ways to identify children who might need stronger treatment to be cured. In recent years, studies have shown that Wilms tumors with certain changes on chromosomes 1 or 16 seem to be more likely to come back after treatment. Doctors are now looking at whether children with such tumors might be helped by more intense treatment.

Treatment of Wilms tumors

Clinical trials are also going on to improve treatment for children with Wilms tumor with fewer side effects. The goal is to give children no more treatment than is needed.

Recent studies suggest, for instance, that in some cases chemo may not need to be given as long as was thought before. New drugs are being studied and other studies are looking at bone marrow transplants, which allow doctors to give high doses of chemo. This approach might help treat tumors that would otherwise have a poor outlook.

Last Medical Review: 10/07/2009
Last Revised: 10/07/2009