Chemotherapy + Surgery for Kidney Cancer (Wilms Tumor)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests how well a combination of chemotherapy drugs and surgery can treat young patients with Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer. The chemotherapy drugs—Dactinomycin, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, and Vincristine Sulfate—work together to shrink the tumor before surgery or eliminate any remaining cancer cells afterward. Participants who might be suitable include those with Wilms tumor, especially children with certain genetic conditions or tumors in both kidneys. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants a chance to contribute to potentially groundbreaking cancer treatment advancements.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it does mention that you cannot take aprepitant while participating.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that the combination of vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin has been safely used in past studies to treat Wilms tumor and other childhood kidney cancers. These drugs are well-known in cancer treatment and have FDA approval for this purpose.
Studies have found that this combination is generally well-tolerated, with most patients not experiencing severe side effects. This makes it a recommended option for further research in similar conditions. Specifically, vincristine and dactinomycin have been used together to treat Wilms tumor, focusing on improving survival rates.
While all treatments can have side effects, past research supports the safety and effectiveness of these drugs in similar clinical settings.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for Wilms Tumor because they offer a more tailored approach based on tumor characteristics and patient response. Unlike the standard of care, which often involves a one-size-fits-all chemotherapy regimen, these treatments allow for adjustments after initial chemotherapy based on how the tumor responds, potentially leading to more effective and less invasive treatment options. In particular, the use of regimens like VAD (vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin) and VA (vincristine and dactinomycin) in combination with partial nephrectomy or renal-sparing surgery is designed to preserve kidney function, which is a significant advancement in managing this condition. Furthermore, researchers are keen to explore how these regimens might minimize the need for more aggressive interventions, such as radiation, based on histological findings.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for Wilms tumor?
Research has shown that a combination of chemotherapy drugs, including vincristine, dactinomycin, and doxorubicin, effectively treats Wilms tumor. In this trial, participants in different arms will receive varying combinations of these drugs. One study found that over 91% of patients treated with this combination did not experience a return of cancer within two years. Another study showed that the overall survival rate at five years was nearly 99% with similar treatments. Vincristine and dactinomycin work particularly well together, leading to better results than when used separately. These drugs stop the tumor from growing by killing cancer cells or preventing them from spreading.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Peter F Ehrlich
Principal Investigator
Children's Oncology Group
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for young patients with Wilms tumor who haven't had chemotherapy or radiation before. They must have normal liver function and heart performance, agree to use contraception if applicable, and not be breastfeeding. Patients need to sign consent forms and meet all study requirements.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Chemotherapy Induction
Patients receive initial chemotherapy to reduce tumor size and assess feasibility of partial nephrectomy
Surgery
Definitive surgery is performed, potentially including partial nephrectomy or renal sparing surgery
Post-Surgery Chemotherapy and Radiation
Patients receive additional chemotherapy and possibly radiation therapy based on histology and stage
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dactinomycin
- Doxorubicin Hydrochloride
- Radiation Therapy
- Therapeutic Conventional Surgery
- Vincristine Sulfate
Dactinomycin is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma
- Wilms tumor
- Troophoblastic neoplasm
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma
- Wilms tumor
- Troophoblastic neoplasm
- Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Ewing sarcoma
- Wilms tumor
- Troophoblastic neoplasm
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Children's Oncology Group
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator