Nephroblastoma treatment in children: A clinical retrospective analysis
Asmir Jonuzi1
, Nina Uzunović2, Emir Milisic1, Sanjin Glavas2, Benjamin Kulovac3, Almir Fajkić4, Zlatan Zvizdic1
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Clinical Center University in Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3Department of Urology, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
4Department of Pathophysiology, University in Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Keywords: Clinical presentation, diagnosis, survival, treatment, Wilms tumor.
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, therapeutic approaches, pathological features, and treatment outcomes of children diagnosed with Wilms tumor (WT) and evaluate the time intervals from symptom onset to seeking medical attention and subsequent diagnosis.
Patients and methods: This retrospective study reviewed the records of 18 children (11 males, 7 females; median age: 3.72 years; range, 0.13 to 8.33 years) diagnosed with WT who underwent surgery between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2023. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes were collected and analyzed. All patients underwent radical nephrectomy and received preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy as per the UMBRELLA protocol of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology Renal Tumor Study Group.
Results: The median age at diagnosis was 37 months. The most common presenting sign was a palpable abdominal mass (100%), followed by abdominal swelling (61%) and distension (67%). The mixed histopathological type was most prevalent (50%). The median time from symptom onset to seeking medical attention was 13.9 days, and the median from initial medical consultation to diagnosis was 9.9 days. Complications occurred in three (17%) patients, and one (6%) patient experienced relapse. The survival rate was 94%.
Conclusion: This study's survival and relapse rates are comparable to global data, reflecting advances in the diagnosis and management of WT at our institution. However, further research is needed to address the study’s limitations and enhance outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings.
Citation: Jonuzi A, Uzunović N, Milisic E, Glavas S, Kulovac B, Fajkić A, et al. Nephroblastoma treatment in children: A clinical retrospective analysis. Turkish J Ped Surg 2025;39(2):64-70. doi: 10.62114/JTAPS.2025.131.
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Concept: A.J., N.U.; Design, analysis or interpretation: A.J., N.U, E.M., S.G., B.K., A.F., Z.Z.; Data collection or processing: A.J., N.U., Z.Z.; Literature search: A.J., N.U., A.F., Z.Z.; Writing: A.J., N.U., B.K., A.F., Z.Z.
The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.
The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.