Wilms Tumor Prognosis

The overall prognosis of Wilms Tumor is usually quite positive with more than 80% of all children diagnosed expecting to survive the disease long-term. With a timely diagnosis before the tumor has metastasized to other parts of the body the cure rate is even higher at 90% with standard treatment.

The specific prognosis for each individual affected by this disease depends on the stage of the disease and the treatment plan. It is important that the tumor is removed as early as possible and appropriate management is undertaken, to reduce the risk of spreading.

wilms tumorImage Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock.com

Favorable histology and anaplasia

One of the most important categorizations that can help to estimate prognosis is the histology of the cancer cells, based on the microscopic appearance.

Cells with favorable histology account for the majority of Wilms tumor cases and involve cancer cells that display abnormal characteristics but do not have large defects in the genetic DNA. This type is associated with a positive prognosis, often more than 90% depending on the progression of the tumor.

Unfavorable histology is marked by cancer cells with wide variations in appearance with the nucleus of the cell usually appearing swollen and distorted. This effect is known as anaplasia and is more difficult to treat and hence associated with a poorer prognosis.

Chromosome involvement

Loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH) of chromosomes 1p and 16q in particular tumor cells are a specific class of Wilms tumor cases. Patients affected by this pathology of the disease are associated with a higher risk of relapse or death and, therefore, this factor can be used to help determine prognosis and choose appropriate treatment strengths.

Stages of disease progression

Cancerous tumors are classified according to five stages, each of which is associated with a different prognosis according to the disease progression.

  • Stage 1 involves a localized tumor in the kidney, which can be surgically removed. This is often followed by a simple chemotherapy regimen and radiotherapy to reduce risk of relapse. 4-year survival ranges from 98% for favorable histology and 80% for anaplasia.
  • Stage 2 tumors are localized to the kidney but have reached a more advanced stage. This also involves surgical nephrectomy and preventative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 4-year survival rate from 98% for favorable histology to 82% for anaplasia.
  • Stage 3 tumors are still localized to the kidney but have progressed to a more advanced stage. Treatment involves surgical nephrectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with 4-year survival rate from 53% to 94%, depending on degree of anaplasia.
  • Stage 4 tumors have usually metastasized to other areas throughout the body. Treatment involves nephrectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with a 4-year survival rate from 44% to 86%, depending on the degree of anaplasia.
  • Stage 5 tumors have metastasized to other areas throughout the body and reached an advanced stage. Treatment involves bilateral renal biopsy, nephrectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The 4-year survival rate ranges from 42% to 80%, depending on degree of anaplasia.

Wilms' tumor (nephroblastoma) - an Osmosis preview

Risk of second cancer

Even though the overall prognosis of Wilms tumor is quite promising, children that are affected by the disease are at an increased risk of second cancer later in life. This is thought to be as a result of exposure to treatment in the management of Wilms tumor, although the benefits of treatment continue to outweigh these risks.

Second tumors that people that have been affected by Wilms tumor are more susceptible to include bone and soft-tissue sarcomas, breast cancer, lymphoma, melanoma, leukemia and cancer of the breast or gastrointestinal tract.

References

Further Reading

Last Updated: Feb 26, 2021

Yolanda Smith

Written by

Yolanda Smith

Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about new cultures and languages.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Smith, Yolanda. (2021, February 26). Wilms Tumor Prognosis. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Wilms-Tumor-Prognosis.aspx.

  • MLA

    Smith, Yolanda. "Wilms Tumor Prognosis". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Wilms-Tumor-Prognosis.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Smith, Yolanda. "Wilms Tumor Prognosis". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Wilms-Tumor-Prognosis.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Smith, Yolanda. 2021. Wilms Tumor Prognosis. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Wilms-Tumor-Prognosis.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.