OUTCOMES FOR WILMS TUMOR IN CHILDREN IN KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIAN ONCOLOGY CENTERS

Abstract

Wilms’ tumor (nephroblastoma) is the most common malignant renal tumor in children, accounting for up to 90% of pediatric kidney cancers. In high-income countries, the widespread adoption of multimodal therapy such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy has raised survival rates above 90% for localized disease and 70–75% for metastatic cases. Two principal treatment protocols, presented by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), have strengthened these improvements. In Saudi Arabia, although nationwide incidence data are limited, Wilms’ tumor constitutes 5–7% of all pediatric cancers and generally presents before five years of age. This review provides a comprehensive overview of Wilms’ tumor (nephroblastoma) as managed in Saudi Arabian pediatric oncology centers. It discusses key treatment approaches recommended by international consortia (COG and SIOP), highlights the epidemiology and typical clinical presentation of Wilms’ tumor in children, and summarizes findings from multiple Saudi studies. These studies investigate prognostic factors such as hypertension, tumor stage, and histology, as well as the timing of surgical intervention and its impact on relapse and survival. The review demonstrates that, despite some children presenting with advanced-stage disease, outcomes in Saudi Arabia have been steadily improving, approaching international survival rates. However, it emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, adherence to standardized treatment protocols, and risk-based therapy, particularly regarding patients with hypertension, anaplastic histology, or delayed surgical management.