How long does chemotherapy take to work for Wilms tumour?

Wilms tumour, also called nephroblastoma, is usually managed by a specialist childhood cancer team. Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to reduce the tumour or after surgery to treat remaining microscopic disease. The timing and medicines depend on tumour features, its stage and the treatment protocol.

Doctors may use examination, ultrasound, CT or other imaging at planned points. A smaller tumour is one part of the assessment; the team also considers whether disease is visible elsewhere and what the operation or later treatment requires. A child may look well while treatment is active, so appearance alone cannot show response.

Keep the treatment calendar and attend blood tests, imaging and review visits. Tell the team about reduced drinking, repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, mouth sores, pain, unusual tiredness or changes in urine. Offer fluids and food according to the instructions from the child’s team, and check before giving any new medicine.

Ask the team which activities, school attendance and contact with people who are unwell are suitable between cycles. Protect the child’s line or port exactly as instructed, and keep emergency contact details available.

Call the oncology team urgently for fever or chills, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, marked sleepiness, severe pain, unusual bleeding, or much less urine. Follow the team’s instructions because infection and dehydration can worsen quickly during treatment.

Ask when the first scan or examination will be compared with the starting assessment, what response is needed before surgery, and how results affect the next cycle. Ask for written guidance on fever, medicines, eating, school and line care.