Paediatric Renal Tumors: A State-of-the-Art Review

Abstract

Purpose of review: Pediatric renal tumors comprise a wide range of conditions, both malignant and benign, that affect children and require a multidisciplinary approach for optimal diagnosis and treatment. This review offers an in-depth analysis of the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment options, outcomes, and survival of major pediatric renal tumors.

Recent findings: Wilms tumor, or nephroblastoma, is the most common form of renal tumor in children, characterized by growth from primitive renal cells. Standard treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and, in some cases, radiation therapy, with the aim of removing the tumor, preventing recurrence and maximizing the chances of long-term recovery. Less common pediatric renal tumors, such as renal clear cell sarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, mesoblastic nephroma, and malignant rhabdoid tumor, require similarly careful and individualized management. Therapeutic strategies, which depend on the characteristics of the tumor, the stage of the disease and the individual response to therapy, may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and, in some cases, molecular targeted therapies, immunotherapies and genetic and epigenetic therapies. The management of pediatric kidney tumors requires the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure accurate evaluation, optimal treatments and long-term follow-up. The aim is to maximize the prospects for recovery and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Advances in innovative, personalized therapies represent an important opportunity to further improve clinical outcomes in these patients.

Keywords: Immunotherapy; Paediatric renal tumors; Pathology; Pediatric kidney tumors; Systemic therapy; Targeted therapy.

Fig. 1

Wilms tumor (A and B) On section, the surface is heterogeneous, with areas of viable tumor, hemorrhage, and necrosis