Treatment algorithm

Please note that formulations/routes and doses may differ between drug names and brands, drug formularies, or locations. Treatment recommendations are specific to patient groups: see disclaimer

ACUTE

COG criteria

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[48][94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]​​​

Back
Plus – 

observation or post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Favourable histology Wilms' tumours are subdivided by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) into recurrence risk categories (based on patient age, tumour weight, stage, molecular markers, and biological factors), which determine post-operative treatment.[95][96]

COG very-low-risk patients (stage I, <2 years of age, <550 g tumour weight, without loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 11p15, without LOH at combined 1p and 16q, provided lymph nodes were sampled and proved negative: observation alone (no chemotherapy or radiotherapy).[98][109]​​

COG low-risk patients (stage I, any age or tumour weight, without LOH at combined 1p and 16q): post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine and dactinomycin (EE-4A regimen).[109]

COG standard-risk patients (stage I, with LOH at combined 1p and 16q): post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen).[109][110]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

EE-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

OR

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]​​​

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Favourable histology Wilms' tumours are subdivided by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) into recurrence risk categories (based on patient age, tumour weight, stage, molecular markers, and biological factors), which determine post-operative treatment.[95][96]

Chemotherapy regimen for stage II disease depends on the biology of the tumour.

COG low-risk patients (stage II, without loss of heterozygosity [LOH] at combined 1p and 16q): post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine and dactinomycin (EE-4A regimen).[109]

COG standard-risk patients (stage II, with LOH at combined 1p and 16q): post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen).[109][110]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

EE-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

OR

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]​​​

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Favourable histology Wilms' tumours are subdivided by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) into recurrence risk categories (based on patient age, tumour weight, stage, molecular markers, and biological factors), which determine post-operative treatment.[95][96]

Chemotherapy regimen for stage III disease depends on the biology of the tumour.

COG standard-risk patients (stage III, with no loss of heterozygosity [LOH] at combined 1p and 16q): post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen).[109][110]

COG higher-risk patients (stage III, with LOH at combined 1p and 16q): post-operative chemotherapy with DD-4A regimen for 6 weeks, and then switched to vincristine, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (regimen M).[109][110]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

Regimen M

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

etoposide

Back
Plus – 

radiotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

All stage III tumours receive either flank irradiation or whole abdomen irradiation.[109][110]

Radiotherapy (either flank irradiation or whole abdomen irradiation) is used for the regional management of local stage III favourable histology Wilms' tumour.[4]​ In most cases, flank radiation is used; whole abdominal radiation is only used in cases with peritoneal seeding, preoperative tumour rupture, or an intraoperative spill that is widespread in the opinion of the operating surgeon.[52][99][129]

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Favourable histology Wilms' tumours are subdivided by the Children's Oncology Group (COG) into recurrence risk categories (based on patient age, tumour weight, stage, molecular markers, and biological factors), which determine post-operative treatment.[95][96]

Chemotherapy regimen for stage IV disease depends on the location of metastases and biology of the tumour.

Children's Oncology Group (COG) standard-risk patients (stage IV, with no loss of heterozygosity [LOH] at combined 1p and 16q, and no metastases to sites other than lungs): post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen).[109] Patients with pulmonary metastases with a complete response at week 6 continue receiving DD-4A without whole lung irradiation.[71] However, intensification of chemotherapy and whole lung irradiation can be considered for patients with a 1q gain. Rate of event-free survival is lower for patients with 1q gain receiving standard treatment.[71]​ Patients with an incomplete/slow response of pulmonary metastatic lesions at week 6 are switched to vincristine, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (regimen M) and receive whole lung irradiation.[71]

COG higher-risk patients (stage IV, with LOH at combined 1p and 16q, or metastases to site other than lungs): post-operative chemotherapy with DD-4A regimen for 6 weeks, and then switched to regimen M.[109][110]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

Regimen M

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

etoposide

Back
Consider – 

radiotherapy

Additional treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Radiotherapy (either flank irradiation or whole abdomen irradiation) is used for the regional management of local stage III favourable histology Wilms' tumour (staging at primary tumour regardless of metastases).[4] In most cases, flank radiation is used; whole abdominal radiation is only used in cases with peritoneal seeding, preoperative tumour rupture, or an intraoperative spill that is widespread in the opinion of the operating surgeon.[52][99][129]

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) standard-risk patients: abdominal/flank irradiation is given to patients with local/abdominal stage III disease. Patients with pulmonary metastases with an incomplete/slow response of pulmonary metastatic lesions at week 6 of chemotherapy receive whole lung irradiation.[71][109]​​​​​

Standard-risk patients with pulmonary metastases with a complete response at week 6 continue chemotherapy without whole lung irradiation.[71] However, intensification of chemotherapy and whole lung irradiation can be considered for patients with a 1q gain. Rate of event-free survival is lower for patients with 1q gain receiving standard treatment.[71]

COG higher-risk patients: abdominal/flank irradiation is given to patients with local/abdominal stage III disease. Patients receive whole lung irradiation or radiation to non-lung metastatic sites.[109][110]

Treatment of extrapulmonary metastatic lesions is highly individualised.[106]

Back
1st line – 

preoperative chemotherapy

Patients who cannot undergo upfront nephrectomy have a tumour biopsy performed, followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy until delayed nephrectomy. Chemotherapy is then completed post-operatively.

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) recommends upfront biopsy and preoperative chemotherapy if the tumour extends into inferior vena cava above the hepatic vein or the primary tumour is unresectable at presentation.[52]

If a tumour is unresectable, COG recommends an open biopsy or core needle biopsy with a minimum of 10-12 non-necrotic cores to ensure sufficient tissue for molecular testing. Performing a tumour biopsy results in upstaging to local stage III disease.[4][52]

Preoperative chemotherapy is used to reduce the size of the tumour. For COG standard-risk patients, vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen) is given until delayed nephrectomy. Higher-risk patients are given DD-4A regimen for 6 weeks and then switched to vincristine, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (regimen M) until delayed nephrectomy.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

Regimen M

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

etoposide

Back
Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

​Delayed nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended following preoperative chemotherapy for patients with unresectable, favourable histology tumours.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Post-operative chemotherapy is recommended to complete the initial preoperative chemotherapy regimen, either with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen) or vincristine, dactinomycin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide (regimen M).

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

Regimen M

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

etoposide

Back
Plus – 

radiotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

​Radiotherapy (either flank irradiation or whole abdomen irradiation) is used for the regional management of local stage III favourable histology Wilms' tumour (staging at primary tumour regardless of metastases).[4]​ In most cases, flank radiation is used; whole abdominal radiation is only used in cases with peritoneal seeding, preoperative tumour rupture, or an intraoperative spill that is widespread in the opinion of the operating surgeon.[52][99][129]

Stage IV standard-risk patients with pulmonary metastases who do not show complete response to chemotherapy at week 6 receive whole lung irradiation.[71]

Stage IV higher-risk patients receive whole lung irradiation or radiotherapy to non-lung sites of metastasis.[109][110]​ Treatment of extrapulmonary metastatic lesions is highly individualised.[106]

Back
1st line – 

preoperative chemotherapy

In patients with bilateral Wilms' tumour or bilaterally predisposed unilateral Wilms' tumour, preoperative chemotherapy is followed by nephron-sparing surgery and modified post-operative chemotherapy based on histological response.[97][109][113]​​

The goal of preoperative chemotherapy is to shrink the tumour to allow maximum preservation of renal parenchyma.[97]

For patients with bilateral Wilms' tumour, or with bilaterally predisposed unilateral Wilms' tumour with metastatic disease: vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (VAD regimen) are given preoperatively.[113]

For patients with bilaterally predisposed unilateral Wilms' tumour that is localised (no metastatic disease): vincristine and dactinomycin (VA regimen) are used preoperatively.[113]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

VAD regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

VA regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

Back
Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Radical nephrectomies can potentially be avoided and nephron-sparing surgery used to preserve renal parenchyma and function.[113]

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Post-operative chemotherapy is based on stage and histological response.[97][109][113]​​

Each kidney should be individually staged and treated accordingly.

See local specialist protocol for regimen and dosing guidelines.

Back
Consider – 

renal transplant

Additional treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Rarely, disease is extensive bilaterally requiring bilateral complete nephrectomies and resulting in renal failure and need for a renal transplant.[114]

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52]​​

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Stage I patients with either focal or diffuse anaplasia receive post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen).[115][116]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

Back
Plus – 

radiotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Stage I patients with either focal or diffuse anaplasia receive flank irradiation.[115][116]

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52]​​

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Treatment regimen depends on whether anaplasia is focal or diffuse.

Focal anaplasia: post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen).[116][117]​​

Diffuse anaplasia: post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, etoposide, and irinotecan (revised UH-2 regimen).[109][118]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

revised UH-2 regimen

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

carboplatin

and

etoposide

and

irinotecan

Back
Plus – 

radiotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Patients with focal or diffuse anaplasia should receive flank irradiation.[109][116][117]​​

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52]​​

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Treatment regimen depends on whether anaplasia is focal or diffuse.

Focal anaplasia: post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (DD-4A regimen).[116][117]​​

Diffuse anaplasia: post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, etoposide, and irinotecan (revised UH-2 regimen).[109][118]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

DD-4A regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

revised UH-2 regimen

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

carboplatin

and

etoposide

and

irinotecan

Back
Plus – 

radiotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Patients with focal or diffuse anaplasia should receive abdomen/flank irradiation, with a boost to residual tumour.[109][116][117]​​

Back
1st line – 

surgery

Upfront nephrectomy using a transperitoneal approach is recommended for patients with unilateral renal masses who do not have a known Wilms' tumour predisposition.[4][52]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52]​​

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Treatment regimen depends on whether anaplasia is focal or diffuse.

Focal anaplasia: post-operative chemotherapy with vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (revised UH-1 regimen).[116][117]​​

Diffuse anaplasia: vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, etoposide, and irinotecan (revised UH-2 regimen).[109][118]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

revised UH-1 regimen

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

carboplatin

and

etoposide

OR

revised UH-2 regimen

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

carboplatin

and

etoposide

and

irinotecan

Back
Plus – 

radiotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Patients with either focal or diffuse anaplasia receive abdomen/flank irradiation, with a boost to residual tumour.[109][117]​​ Radiotherapy is given to metastatic sites.

Back
1st line – 

preoperative chemotherapy

In patients with bilateral Wilms' tumour or bilaterally predisposed unilateral Wilms' tumour, preoperative chemotherapy is followed by nephron-sparing surgery and modified post-operative chemotherapy based on histological response.[97][109][113]​​

The goal of preoperative chemotherapy is to shrink the tumour to allow maximum preservation of renal parenchyma.[97]

For patients with bilateral Wilms' tumour, or with bilaterally predisposed unilateral Wilms' tumour with metastatic disease: vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin (VAD regimen) is used preoperatively.[113]

For patients with bilaterally predisposed unilateral Wilms' tumour that is localised (no metastatic disease): vincristine and dactinomycin (VA regimen) is used preoperatively.[113]

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

VAD regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

and

doxorubicin

OR

VA regimen

vincristine

and

dactinomycin

Back
Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Radical nephrectomies can potentially be avoided and nephron-sparing surgery used to preserve renal parenchyma and function.[113]

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Post-operative chemotherapy is based on stage and histological response.[97][113][109]​​​

Each kidney should be staged individually and treated accordingly.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Back
Consider – 

renal transplant

Additional treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Rarely, disease is extensive bilaterally, requiring bilateral complete nephrectomies and resulting in renal failure and need for a renal transplant.[114]

SIOP criteria

Back
1st line – 

preoperative chemotherapy

The UMBRELLA International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)-Renal Tumour Study Group (RTSG) 2016 protocol (known as the UMBRELLA protocol) recommends upfront chemotherapy for patients aged ≥6 months newly diagnosed with Wilms' tumour (prior to any attempt at resection regardless of initial stage).[73][99]

For children <6 months, the UMBRELLA protocol recommends upfront surgery and consideration of fine-needle biopsy for patients with unusual clinical presentations, or unusual findings on imaging, to decrease the risk of misdiagnosis of Wilms' tumour.[99][119]

SIOP any risk: preoperative chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine (AV regimen) for 4 weeks.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AV regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

Back
Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

After preoperative chemotherapy in patients aged ≥6 months, radical tumour nephrectomy is the standard of care.[99]

The UMBRELLA protocol specifies that nephron-sparing surgery is acceptable for the following patients with non-syndromic unilateral Wilms' tumours: small tumour volume (<300 mL) and the expectation of a substantial remnant kidney function in patients with tumours <300 mL who never had lymph node involvement.[99]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]

Back
Consider – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Additional treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Chemotherapy regimen depends on post-operative staging and histology of tumour.

International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) histological classification divides patients with all stages (I to IV) into 3 groups: low-risk (completely necrotic Wilms' tumour), high-risk (blastemal type and diffuse anaplasia), and intermediate-risk tumours (all other types).[53][73]​​​

SIOP low-risk patients: no post-operative chemotherapy.

SIOP intermediate-risk patients: post-operative chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine (AV regimen) for 4 weeks.

SIOP high-risk patients: post-operative chemotherapy with dactinomycin, vincristine, and doxorubicin (AVD regimen) for 27 weeks.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AV regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

OR

AVD regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

Back
1st line – 

preoperative chemotherapy

The UMBRELLA International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)-Renal Tumour Study Group (RTSG) 2016 protocol (known as the UMBRELLA protocol) recommends upfront chemotherapy for patients aged ≥6 months newly diagnosed with Wilms' tumour (prior to any attempt at resection regardless of initial stage).[73][99]

For children <6 months, the UMBRELLA protocol recommends upfront surgery and consideration of fine-needle biopsy for patients with unusual clinical presentations, or unusual findings on imaging, to decrease the risk of misdiagnosis of Wilms' tumour.[99][119]

SIOP any-risk: preoperative chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine (AV regimen) for 4 weeks.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AV regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

Back
Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

After preoperative chemotherapy in patients aged ≥6 months, radical tumour nephrectomy is the standard of care.[99]

The UMBRELLA protocol specifies that nephron-sparing surgery is acceptable for the following patients with non-syndromic unilateral Wilms' tumours: small tumour volume (<300 mL) and the expectation of a substantial remnant kidney function in patients with tumours <300 mL who never had lymph node involvement.[99]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Chemotherapy regimen depends on post-operative staging and histology of tumour.

International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) histological classification divides patients with all stages (I to IV) into 3 groups: low-risk (completely necrotic Wilms' tumour), high-risk (blastemal type and diffuse anaplasia), and intermediate-risk tumours (all other types).[53][73]​​​​

SIOP low-risk patients: post-operative chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine (AV regimen) for 27 weeks.

SIOP intermediate-risk patients (stromal or epithelial-type disease): post-operative chemotherapy with AV regimen for 27 weeks.

SIOP intermediate-risk patients (non-stromal- or non-epithelial-type disease, i.e., mixed and focal anaplasia-type tumours): post-operative chemotherapy with dactinomycin, vincristine, and doxorubicin (AVD regimen) for 27 weeks.

SIOP high-risk patients: post-operative chemotherapy with etoposide, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (HR-1 regimen) for 34 weeks.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AV regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

OR

AVD regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

OR

HR-1 regimen

etoposide

and

carboplatin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

doxorubicin

Back
Consider – 

radiotherapy

Additional treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Flank irradiation is indicated in patients with high-risk diffuse anaplasia.[53]

Back
1st line – 

preoperative chemotherapy

The UMBRELLA International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)-Renal Tumour Study Group (RTSG) 2016 protocol (known as the UMBRELLA protocol) recommends upfront chemotherapy for patients aged ≥6 months with newly diagnosed with Wilms' tumour (prior to any attempt at resection regardless of initial stage).[73][99]

For children <6 months, the UMBRELLA protocol recommends upfront surgery and consideration of fine-needle biopsy for patients with unusual clinical presentations, or unusual findings on imaging, to decrease the risk of misdiagnosis of Wilms' tumour.[99][119]

SIOP any risk: preoperative chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine (AV regimen) for 4 weeks.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AV regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

Back
Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

After preoperative chemotherapy in patients aged ≥6 months, radical tumour nephrectomy is the standard of care.[99]

The UMBRELLA protocol specifies that nephron-sparing surgery is acceptable for the following patients with non-syndromic unilateral Wilms' tumours: small tumour volume (<300 mL) and the expectation of a substantial remnant kidney function in patients with tumours <300 mL who never had lymph node involvement.[99]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]

Back
Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Chemotherapy regimen depends on post-operative staging and histology of tumour.

International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) histological classification divides patients with all stages (I to IV) into 3 groups: low-risk (completely necrotic Wilms' tumour), high-risk (blastemal type and diffuse anaplasia), and intermediate-risk tumours (all other types).[53][73]​​​​

SIOP low-risk patients: post-operative chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine (AV regimen) for 27 weeks.

SIOP intermediate-risk patients (tumour volume after preoperative chemotherapy <500 mL of any subtype or tumour volume ≥500 mL of stromal or epithelial-type disease): post-operative chemotherapy with AV regimen for 27 weeks.

SIOP intermediate-risk patients (tumour volume ≥500 mL of non-stromal- or non-epithelial-type disease): post-operative chemotherapy with dactinomycin, vincristine, and doxorubicin (AVD regimen) for 27 weeks.

SIOP high-risk patients: post-operative chemotherapy with etoposide, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (HR-1 regimen) for 34 weeks.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AV regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

OR

AVD regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

OR

HR-1 regimen

etoposide

and

carboplatin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

doxorubicin

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Consider – 

radiotherapy

Additional treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) low-risk patients: no irradiation.

SIOP intermediate-risk patients: flank irradiation is indicated.

SIOP high-risk patients: flank irradiation is indicated.

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preoperative chemotherapy

The UMBRELLA International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP)-Renal Tumour Study Group (RTSG) 2016 protocol (known as the UMBRELLA protocol) recommends upfront chemotherapy for patients aged ≥6 months with newly diagnosed with Wilms' tumour (prior to any attempt at resection regardless of initial stage).[73][99]

For children <6 months, the UMBRELLA protocol recommends upfront surgery and consideration of fine-needle biopsy for patients with unusual clinical presentations, or unusual findings on imaging, to decrease the risk of misdiagnosis of Wilms' tumour.[99][119]

SIOP any risk: preoperative chemotherapy with dactinomycin, vincristine, and doxorubicin (AVD regimen) for 6 weeks.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AVD regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

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Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

After preoperative chemotherapy in patients aged ≥6 months, radical tumour nephrectomy is the standard of care.[99]

Surgeons should avoid tumour spillage or incomplete removal. Selective sampling of lymph nodes should be performed.[94]

Palpation of renal vein and inferior vena cava identifies any tumour thrombi (usually free-floating) and may allow for careful removal of thrombus.[52]

Suspicious metastatic lesions (hepatic or intra-abdominal) may be either biopsied or resected at the time of initial surgery for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Decisions about extrapulmonary metastatic lesions are highly individualised.[52][106]

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Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Post-operative chemotherapy decisions depend on restratification of patients based on response to treatment, histology of the primary tumour and the metastatic tumour (if resected), and the size of metastatic lesions.

International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) histological classification divides patients with all stages (I to IV) into 3 groups: low-risk (completely necrotic Wilms' tumour), high-risk (blastemal type and diffuse anaplasia), and intermediate-risk tumours (all other types).[53][73]​​​​

SIOP low- or intermediate-risk patients (complete or very good partial remission of metastatic lesions to preoperative chemotherapy; representative metastatic nodule resection feasible and had completely necrotic metastasis): post-operative chemotherapy with dactinomycin, vincristine, and doxorubicin (AVD regimen) for 27 weeks.

SIOP low- or intermediate-risk patients (partial remission of metastatic lesions to preoperative chemotherapy and resection of metastatic nodules; representative nodule resection confirmed viable metastasis or metastatic nodule resection is not feasible): post-operative chemotherapy with etoposide, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin (HR-1 regimen) for 34 weeks.

SIOP high-risk: discuss best current treatment approach with the principal investigator for stage IV disease.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AVD regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

and

doxorubicin

OR

HR-1 regimen

etoposide

and

carboplatin

and

cyclophosphamide

and

doxorubicin

Back
Consider – 

radiotherapy

Additional treatment recommended for SOME patients in selected patient group

Pulmonary radiotherapy is only administered for lung metastases lacking complete response by post-operative week 10 and in all cases with high-risk tumours, despite response to treatment.[4][99]

Consider irradiation to metastases in low-risk disease if resection of nodule resection is not feasible.

Irradiation to metastases in intermediate- and high-risk disease is indicated.

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preoperative chemotherapy

In bilateral Wilms' tumour, preoperative chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine (AV regimen) for a maximum of 12 weeks with evaluation of response at 6 weeks followed by surgery.

See local specialist protocol for dosing guidelines.

Primary options

AV regimen

dactinomycin

and

vincristine

Back
Plus – 

surgery

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Nephron-sparing surgery is advocated for bilateral disease; this may include tumourectomy, wedge resection, polar resection, heminephrectomy, nephrectomy on one side, and partial resection, thus avoiding bilateral radical nephrectomies.[120]

The UMBRELLA protocol recommends discussion with the International Society of Paediatric Oncology-Renal Tumour Study Group (SIOP-RTSG) surgical panel to assess the feasibility of nephron-sparing surgery and minimise the risk of upstaging by incomplete resection of the tumour.[99]

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Plus – 

post-operative chemotherapy

Treatment recommended for ALL patients in selected patient group

Each tumour is subclassified and staged separately to determine post-operative chemotherapy.

See local specialist protocol for regimen and dosing guidelines.

ONGOING

tumour recurrence

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individualised treatment

Treatment of recurrent Wilms' tumours must be individualised to the patient, based on prior chemotherapy treatment, as well as the location of relapse.

Recurrent tumours are typically managed with chemotherapy agents that were not used for primary therapy.[99][121][122][123][124][125] 

The use of high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue or clinical trials utilising novel chemotherapy regimens or agents may be considered.[99][126][127][128]

Local control using surgery and/or radiation is highly individualised to the patient. Surgical resection of relapsed disease is considered when complete resection seems possible or when it is useful to evaluate histological tumour response.[99]

The use of radiotherapy to initially non-irradiated sites is accepted, but the approach to previously irradiated sites must be individualised.[99]

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