TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Chemotherapy
Source: Wilms Tumor (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 12, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Types of treatment for Wilms tumor / Treatment options
Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy either kills the cells or stops them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given alone or with other types of treatment, such as radiation therapy.
For children with Wilms tumor, chemotherapy is injected into a vein. When given this way, chemotherapy enters the bloodstream and can reach cancer cells throughout the body.
Chemotherapy drugs used alone or in combination to treat Wilms tumor include:
carboplatin
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cyclophosphamide
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dactinomycin
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doxorubicin
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etoposide
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ifosfamide
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irinotecan
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vincristine
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Other chemotherapy not listed here may also be used.
Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery. Chemotherapy given after surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain is called adjuvant therapy.
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Learn more about how chemotherapy works, how it is given, common side effects, and more at Chemotherapy to Treat Cancer.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice