IMPROVEMENT IN OUTCOME OF CHILDREN WITH WILMS-TUMOR IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA OVER THE LAST 30 YEARS

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of children with Wilms' tumour over the last 30 years in South Australia. To compare the outcome of child ren treated before and after 1982, when standard treatment protocols w ere introduced. Methodology: Management approaches, survival rates and side-effects of treatment were identified from case notes. Pathology slides were reviewed to ensure all children were correctly diagnosed w ith Wilms' tumour. Results: Children treated for Wilms' tumour prior t o 1982 had an overall survival rate of 54%. Since 1982 there has been a significant improvement in outcome and the current survival rate is now 85%. Children treated since 1982 have also experienced fewer treat ment related side-effects than children treated prior to 1982. Conclus ions: There has been substantial improvement in survival from childhoo d Wilms' tumour over the past 30 years in South Australia. This is lik ely to be due to a combination of factors including standardization of treatment, tailoring of treatment to stage and histology, improved pe rioperative care, enhanced radiological techniques and higher levels o f collaboration between relevant specialists.