Wilms tumor
Wilms tumor is a childhood kidney cancer. Stage, tissue findings, molecular features and whether one or both kidneys are affected help determine treatment; some children have an underlying genetic predisposition.
Other names and abbreviations
nephroblastoma, WT, Nephroblastoma
In short
- Wilms tumor is a kidney cancer of young children, and some children have an underlying genetic risk that makes it more likely.
- Treatment combines surgery and chemotherapy, with radiation for some risk groups, and tumors that come back may get different treatment or a clinical trial.
- High-dose chemotherapy with a return of the child's own stem cells has been used for some high-risk relapses, but it is not routine and uses no donor.
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Where transplant fits
Very strong drug treatment given in large doses, often to kill cancer cells. It also destroys the bone marrow and can cause other serious side effects. A stem cell transplant usually follows to rebuild the marrow. with Coming from the patient's own body. In an autologous transplant, the patient's own stem cells are collected and stored, then given back after high-dose treatment. It does not use a donor. has been used for selected high-risk When a disease comes back after a period of getting better. Relapsed disease has returned after treatment helped for a time.. The evidence is mainly nonrandomized and does not make A treatment that gives a patient healthy blood-forming stem cells through a vein. The cells travel to the bone marrow and replace faulty marrow or marrow damaged by treatment. They can come from the patient or a donor. routine for all Wilms tumors. Rescue uses the child’s cells, not a registry donor.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health.
Key facts
- Who it affects
- Wilms tumor mainly affects young children.
- Usual treatment
- Treatment combines surgery and chemotherapy, with radiotherapy in selected risk groups. Relapsed disease may receive different chemotherapy, surgery or radiation and can be considered for clinical trials.
- Cells used in a transplant
- The patient’s own collected blood-forming cells for autologous stem cell rescue, when that procedure is appropriate.
- Where a donor fits
- Limited transplant role
Support for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- Wilms Cancer Foundation Free Wilms tumor information, a parent and caregiver discussion group, a video library and a patient program for children with Wilms tumor.Worldwide (based in Canada and the United States)
- Childhood Cancer International Global network of childhood cancer parent and survivor groups; its member directory helps families find support in their own country.Worldwide
- American Childhood Cancer Organization Emotional and financial support, online peer support, information and bereavement services for families of children and teens with cancer.United States
Questions to bring to your care team
- What is the exact name of the diagnosis or subtype, and what does it mean for treatment?
- What is the goal of each treatment you are suggesting?
- What would make a transplant worth considering later on?
- Are there clinical trials that might fit?
- Where can our family find support during treatment?
Sources and further reading
- Wilms Tumor and Other Childhood Kidney Tumors Treatment (PDQ)
NCI, Accessed 2026-09-05 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI, Accessed 2026-09-05
Other patients are waiting for a match.
Most people with Wilms tumor are treated without a registry donor. Many people with other blood cancers and blood disorders need a donor who is a stranger.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help a family run a drive
If someone you love needs a donor, a registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this guide, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
