Renal Tumors (Wilms/Kidney)

Renal tumors start in the kidneys, the organs responsible for filtering blood and making urine. Wilms tumor is the most common type of pediatric renal tumor, often appearing as a painless lump in the abdomen. While most cases occur in children under the age of five, both Wilms tumor and other forms of kidney cancer, such as renal cell carcinoma, can affect older children and adolescents.

Typically, renal tumors affect only one kidney, though rarer cases can impact both kidneys. Most pediatric kidney tumors are highly treatable. Care involves surgical removal of the tumor and may include chemotherapy and radiation. The goal of treatment is to provide a cure while minimizing the toxicity of therapy.

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COG’s Work in Renal Tumor

COG’s Renal Tumor Committee develops personalized treatment plans that match each patient’s risk with a corresponding intensity of the therapy. Our current work focuses on two areas: reducing treatment for children with low-risk tumors to prevent long-term side effects and studying new treatment approaches for patients with more aggressive or relapsed Wilms tumor to improve outcomes.

The Committee also collects and studies renal tumor samples from patients across COG’s network of more than 220 member institutions, enabling the identification of new genetic markers. This work includes the study of “liquid biopsies”: blood tests that detect traces of tumor DNA, allowing clinicians to detect cancer and monitor for its return without more invasive procedures. Insights from this research help guide future generations of life-saving clinical trials.

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Renal Tumor: Key Statistics

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    5-year survival rate for children with the most common form of Wilms tumor, thanks to decades of research.

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    Survival rate for children with bilateral disease (tumors in both kidneys), thanks to researchers’ focused efforts.

Recent Publications

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We’re all excited about the potential to further risk-classify Wilms tumors and develop COG treatment protocols that are more precise to each individual patient. While our care is always focused on eliminating a child’s cancer, it’s also about preserving their long-term health.

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COG Member Institutions

COG’s 220+ member institutions study and treat children and adolescents with cancer across a global network. These sites support patients from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, connecting families to clinical trials and specialized care closer to home.

Use our interactive map to find a COG member institution near you.

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News from COG

As the world’s largest pediatric cancer research network, COG drives breakthroughs in treatment and improves outcomes for children with cancer. Explore the latest news and stories from across our global community.

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The future for children with renal tumors is shaped by today’s research.

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