Improvement in outcome of children with Wilms' tumour in South Australia over the last 30 years

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of children with Wilms' tumour over the last 30 years in South Australia. To compare the outcome of children treated before and after 1982, when standard treatment protocols were introduced. 

Methodology: Management approaches, survival rates and side- effects of treatment were identified from case notes. Pathology slides were reviewed to ensure all children were correctly diagnosed with Wilms' tumour. 

Results: Children treated for Wilms' tumour prior to 1982 had an overall survival rate of 54%. Since 1982 there has been a significant improvement in outcome and the current survival rate is now 85%. Children treated since 1982 have also experienced fewer treatment related side-effects than children treated prior to 1982. 

Conclusions: There has been substantial improvement in survival from childhood Wilms' tumour over the past 30 years in South Australia. This is likely to be due to a combination of factors including standardization of treatment, tailoring of treatment to stage and histology, improved perioperative care, enhanced radiological techniques and higher levels of collaboration between relevant specialists.