Abstract
The phenomenon of maturation of a malignant to a benign neoplasm is definitely known to occur in only one pediatric tumor, namely neuroblastoma. In Wilma' tumor there is evidence of variation in the relative histopathologic make-up of the malignancy; however, there has been no description of maturation of Wilms' to a benign tumor, either with or without treatment. In our series of sixty-eight Wilms' tumors seen since 1956 we have nine patients with bilateral involvement. All were treated similarly, with surgical resection of the more involved kidney, radiation therapy to the resected kidney bed and contralateral tumor, and variable courses of vincristine, actinomycin D and adriamycin. Six of these patients are alive and well. In two of these six bilateral cases we have evidence of histologic transition to a benign rhabdomyoma in the residual mass. A third patient, dying as a result of concomitant progressive nephritis, showed autopsy evidence of residual rhabdomyoma. The capacity for maturation of bilateral Wilms' may have played a role in the favorable courses we have observed in our patients with bilateral disease. Further therapeutic research should explore the possible use of agents promoting maturation of transformed cells.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pinney, J., Cantrell, B., White, J. et al. HISTOLOGIC MATURATION IN BILATERAL WILMS' TUMOR. Pediatr Res 11, 478 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00651
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00651
