Vincristine sulfate in management of Wilms' tumor. Replacement of preoperative irradiation by chemotherapy

Abstract

Four children with inoperable unilateral Wilms'' tumor were given vincristine sulfate in lieu of preoperative irradiation therapy. Two to 4 doses of vincristine were given to each child. In each case, there was prompt and dramatic regression in all demonstrable tumor sites. The time from the beginning of chemotherapy to nephrectomy ranged from 12 to 21 days. After nephrectomy, weekly treatments of vincristine were continued for a total of 12 injections, and the abdominal tumor bed was irradiated. If pulmonary metastases were demonstrable, the entire thorax was also irradiated. At present, all 4 children are living without evidence of malignant disease, 5 to 21 months after vincristine therapy was begun.