Wilms tumor characteristics, surgical management, outcomes, and chronic kidney disease in children with WAGR syndrome: A report from the International WAGR Syndrome Association survey

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionChildren with WAGR (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary anomalies, and range of development delays) syndrome are predisposed to Wilms tumor (WT) and intrinsic kidney disease. Using the comprehensive International WAGR Syndrome Association (IWSA) survey of children with WAGR syndrome, we analyzed tumor characteristics, treatment and congenital risk factors, and kidney function in children with WAGR and WT.MethodsDescriptive statistics were utilized including demographics, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes. Comparisons were made between patients with WAGR and WT to those with WAGR alone. A multivariable logistic regression was completed for risk of developing WT and to identify predictors of chronic kidney disease (CKD).ResultsSixty‐four of 145 children with WAGR developed WT (44.1%). Three relapsed and one died. CKD developed in five children with WAGR without WT (5/81, 6.2%), and in 34 with WAGR and WT (34/64, 28.3%). Children with WAGR and WT were younger (p = .017), and had a greater association with CKD than WAGR children without WT (p < .0001). Two children with WT required hemodialysis, and one underwent kidney transplantation. By univariate analysis, CKD at any stage was associated with complete nephrectomy for the WT surgery (p < .0001), chemotherapy duration greater than 12 months, and three‐drug therapy. Upon multivariate analysis, prior nephrectomy was the only significant variable (p = .0002).ConclusionsEpidemiological analysis of children with WAGR demonstrated favorable oncologic outcomes, but high rate of early CKD in those who developed WT. Further study of the use of nephron‐sparing surgery in children with WAGR and strategies to delay or treat early CKD are needed.