Treatments for stage 5 Wilms tumour

The following are treatment options for stage 5 Wilms tumour. Stage 5 Wilms tumour is also called bilateral Wilms tumour. This means that cancer is found in both kidneys at the time of diagnosis. The cancer in each kidney is given its own stage depending on where it is found in that kidney.

The healthcare team will suggest treatments based on the stage of the cancer in each kidney and your childʼs needs. They will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is usually given for 6 to 12 weeks before surgery to shrink stage 5 Wilms tumours before they are removed with surgery.

Chemotherapy is also given after surgery. The chemotherapy drugs used, and the length of time they are used for, depend on the stage and type of Wilms tumour that was removed.

Find out more about chemotherapy for Wilms tumour.

Surgery is an important part of treatment for stage 5 Wilms tumour.

Surgery for stage 5 Wilms tumour is typically done after at least 6 weeks of chemotherapy. The type of surgery depends on the stage of the cancer in each kidney and how well chemotherapy works to shrink the tumours.

Surgery to remove part of a kidney is called a partial nephrectomy, or nephron-sparing surgery. Surgery to remove all of a kidney is called a radical nephrectomy.

The surgeon may remove all of the kidney that contains the most cancer and part of the other kidney. Or they may remove parts of both kidneys.

The surgeon may need to completely remove both kidneys, but this is rare. If both kidneys are removed, dialysis will be needed to help the body remove waste and extra water from the blood. A kidney transplant will be done when a donor kidney becomes available. Most transplant centres will want to wait 1 to 2 years after cancer treatment before doing a kidney transplant to make sure that the cancer does not come back (recur).

Find out more about surgery for Wilms tumour.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells.

Radiation therapy may be given to the abdomen after surgery for stage 5 Wilms tumour. It can also be given to other areas of the body if the cancer has spread to the lungs or other organs.

Find out more about radiation therapy for Wilms tumour.

Children with cancer may be treated in a clinical trial. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, find and treat cancer. Find out more about clinical trials.

Treatment is successful for many children with cancer, but in some cases it isnʼt. When cancer is advanced, the focus of treatment can change from cure to quality of life. There is help and support available. Find out more about when a cure is not possible.