google_counter
Treatment of Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) in Germany | Best Hospitals, Doctors, Prices | Booking Health

Treatment of Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) in Germany

Treatment of Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) in Germany | Leading hospitals in Germany | Highly qualified staff | Actual cost of treatment | Search and treatment of Wilms tumor in hospitals of Germany | Send request 24/7!

Best hospitals and doctors for nephroblastoma (wilms tumor) treatment in Germany

Leading hospitals

Cost for treatment

Diagnostics of nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor)
4334.68
Chemotherapy of nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) (1 course)
10957.29
Radiotherapy of nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor)
15643.57
Resection of Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor)
17958.42
Cancer rehabilitation
0.00
University Hospital Saarland Homburg
Germany, Homburg

University Hospital Saarland Homburg

Overall rating9.8 / 10
The University Hospital Saarland Homburg is the largest hospital in the city of Homburg and the most important medical facility in the region. The hospital, which currently has 30 specialized departments and 20 institutes, was founded in 1947 and operates on the basis of Saarland University. The hospital plays a leading role in
certificatecertificatecertificate
MediClin Robert Janker Clinic
Germany, Bonn

MediClin Robert Janker Clinic

Overall rating9.5 / 10
The MediClin Robert Janker Clinic is a progressive medical facility, which has all the very latest diagnostic and treatment methods for the recovery of health of patients who suffer from cancers. The clinic was founded by renowned radiologist and surgeon Robert Janker. Today, its history has more than 80 years of successful clin
certificatecertificatecertificate
Medias Cancer Clinic Burghausen
Germany, Burghausen

Medias Cancer Clinic Burghausen

Overall rating10 / 10
The Medias Cancer Clinic Burghausen positions itself as a private highly specialised medical facility with international leadership in cancer treatment. The key areas of specialization of the clinic include regional chemotherapy, surgical oncology, hyperthermia, immunotherapy and pain therapy. The ultimate value of each emp
University Hospital Ulm
Germany, Ulm

University Hospital Ulm

Overall rating8.7 / 10
The University Hospital Ulm is an advanced medical complex that provides patients with high-class medical care using the very latest scientific achievements. The medical facility has been performing successful clinical activities for more than 40 years and has long earned an excellent reputation throughout Europe. The hospital r
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
St. Vincentius Hospital Karlsruhe
Germany, Karlsruhe

St. Vincentius Hospital Karlsruhe

Overall rating9.8 / 10
The St. Vincentius Hospital Karlsruhe is a modern medical facility with a rich history and traditions. The medical complex is an academic hospital of the University of Freiburg, granting patients access to advanced university medicine and the very latest therapeutic developments. The hospital first opened its doors in 1851 and,
certificatecertificate
University Hospital Freiburg
Germany, Freibung

University Hospital Freiburg

Overall rating9.7 / 10
The University Hospital Freiburg is famous for its rich history and is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical facilities in Germany (one of the three best medical institutions in the country). The hospital was based on the Faculty of Medicine of the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, which celebrated its 550th anniver
University Hospital Frankfurt am Main
Germany, Frankfurt am Main

University Hospital Frankfurt am Main

Overall rating10 / 10
According to the reputable Focus magazine, the University Hospital Frankfurt am Main ranks among the top German medical facilities! The hospital was founded in 1914 and today is a well-known German medical facility, which combines rich traditions and scientific innovations. A medical team of more than 6,500 employees cares about
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital Heidelberg
Germany, Heidelberg

University Hospital Heidelberg

Overall rating9.8 / 10
According to Focus magazine, the University Hospital Heidelberg ranks among the top five hospitals in Germany! The hospital is one of the most advanced and reputable medical institutions not only in Germany, but throughout Europe. There are more than 43 specialized departments and 13 medical institutes, which cover all fields of
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital RWTH Aachen
Germany, Aachen

University Hospital RWTH Aachen

Overall rating8.7 / 10
According to the prestigious Focus magazine, the University Hospital RWTH Aachen ranks among the top German hospitals! As a maximum care university medical facility, the hospital guarantees patients first-class medical services combined with a respectful and human attitude. The hospital integrates all the modern options for the
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital Würzburg
Germany, Würzburg

University Hospital Würzburg

Overall rating9.2 / 10
According to the Focus magazine in 2019, the University Hospital Würzburg ranks among the top national German hospitals! The hospital is one of the oldest medical facilities in Germany. The centuries-old traditions of first-class treatment are combined with the very latest achievements of modern evidence-based medicine and
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden
Germany, Dresden

University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden

Overall rating9.1 / 10
According to the reputable Focus magazine, the University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden ranks among the top five German hospitals! The hospital is the benchmark for modern high-quality medicine. Positioning itself as a maximum care medical facility, the hospital represents all medical fields. There are 26 specialized depart
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital Erlangen
Germany, Erlangen

University Hospital Erlangen

Overall rating9.1 / 10
According to the Focus magazine, University Hospital Erlangen ranks among the best medical facilities in Germany! The hospital is one of the leading healthcare facilities in Bavaria and offers top-class medical care distinguished by the close intertwining of clinical activities with research and training of medical students. The
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital Halle (Saale)
Germany, Halle

University Hospital Halle (Saale)

Overall rating9.6 / 10
According to the prestigious Focus magazine, the University Hospital Halle (Saale) ranks among the top German medical facilities! The history of the hospital has more than 300 years, and during this time it managed to earn an excellent reputation not only in Germany, but throughout the world. The hospital positions itself as a s
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf
Germany, Hamburg

University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf

Overall rating9.2 / 10
According to the Focus magazine, the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf ranks among the top ten hospitals in Germany! Since its foundation in 1889, the hospital has taken a leading position in the European medical arena and still occupies it until today. A highly competent medical team of more than 11,000 employees takes care
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
Charite University Hospital Berlin
Germany, Berlin

Charite University Hospital Berlin

Overall rating9 / 10
According to the authoritative Focus magazine, the Charite University Hospital Berlin occupies the first place in the rating of the top German medical facilities! The hospital is one of the largest and leading university medical complexes in Europe. The hospital in Germany provides modern diagnostics and treatment of patients, a
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
University Hospital Bonn
Germany, Bonn

University Hospital Bonn

Overall rating9.2 / 10
According to the authoritative Focus magazine, the University Hospital Bonn ranks among the top ten medical facilities in Germany! The hospital was opened on January 1, 2001, although in fact it inherits the medical facility, which operated at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Bonn. The hospital in Germany combin
certificatecertificatecertificatecertificatecertificate
| from Booking Health GmbH

Content

  1. Prevalence of the Wilms tumor
  2. Risk factors for Wilms tumor development
  3. What causes nephroblastoma?
  4. Is early detection of nephroblastoma possible?
  5. Diagnostics of Wilms tumor in Germany
  6. Stages and treatment
  7. Features of kidney cancer treatment in Germany
  8. Surgery
  9. Chemotherapy
  10. Radiation therapy
  11. Clinical trials
  12. What happens when the treatment of Wilms tumor is over?
  13. Best hospitals for Wilms tumor treatment
  14. The cost of treatment of Wilms tumor in Germany
  15. How to start the treatment with Booking Health?

 

Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) is one of the pediatric renal tumors that is detected mainly in young children. Wilms tumor is a widespread type of kidney cancer in children, rated second in terms of prevalence, after renal cell sarcoma.

Prevalence of the Wilms tumor

 

Wilms tumor is a very common kidney pathology in pediatric practice, that accounts for 85% of all cases of pediatric kidney tumors and for 6% of overall childhood oncology.

It usually occurs before the child is 10 years old. In 80% of cases, Wilms tumors are detected before the child is five. There is no gender predisposition, but the pathology is detected somewhat later in girls. In the overwhelming majority, the lesion affects one kidney, in less than 5% of cases both kidneys are affected.

Risk factors for Wilms tumor development

 

A risk factor is what makes you more likely to develop cancer. Generally, risk factors include genetic (heritable) factors, as well as those related to the environment and lifestyle. In general, lifestyle factors are the most important factors in most adult cancers. However, there are only a few, if any, studies that prove lifestyle factors to be tumor-provoking factors for children.

The data indicates that no relationship has been established between nephroblastoma and environmental factors, both before and after childbirth.

Only up to three percent of patients with Wilms tumor have relatives who have suffered from the same disease. It is assumed that this percent of children have inherited the altered gene, which significantly increases the risk of nephroblastoma development. There’s a greater risk of bilateral renal damage in patients with family history of nephroblastoma, compared with sporadic tumors (without the presence of relatives with a similar tumor).

A distinctive relationship between some birth defects and Wilms tumor has been identified. So, 15% of children with nephroblastoma have congenital defects, often represented by different syndromes. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to prevent the development of Wilms tumor.

What causes nephroblastoma?

 

Despite the fact that there is a definite connection between nephroblastoma, birth defects, and gene mutations, most children with this tumor do not have any of the above.

What causes the onset of Wilms tumor in children is not elucidated yet. However, the significant progress in the area of research has been made to understand numerous phenomena that arise during the formation of kidneys in developing infants, and to clear up why changes that lead to nephroblastoma occur.

In the developing infant kidney, a formation arises very early. Sometimes in the process of kidney development disturbances may arise. Some cells, which should have matured into kidney cells, remain embryonic (immature). If the cell development is altered, they begin to grow uncontrollably. And the result of this process is the development of nephroblastoma.

Is early detection of nephroblastoma possible?

 

Children with birth defects associated with the possibility of nephroblastoma development should be supervised and undergo a special examination. Ultrasound scan should be performed every three months until the child reaches 6-7 years of age in order to recognize a kidney tumor early, when it has not spread yet.

It is sometimes difficult to detect nephroblastoma at the early stages because it often grows large without causing any discomfort. Patients with such a tumor can look quite healthy and lead a normal life. Usually, the first sign of the disease is an increase in the size of the abdomen.

A quarter of patients with Wilms tumor may have abdominal pain, fever, blood in the urine, or increased blood pressure. If your child develops any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.

Diagnostics of Wilms tumor in Germany

 

Modern examination methods for Wilms tumor detection, such as CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound, play an extremely important role in making the diagnosis of kidney tumors.

Ultrasound scan is used primarily when nephroblastoma is suspected, as this painless procedure allows examining the entire abdomen.

CT scan is one of the most effective methods of detecting Wilms tumor. Computed tomography allows obtaining multiple detailed images of the tumor focus, and eventually reveals a Wilms tumor. The simultaneous intravenous introduction of a contrast agent can help to obtain clearer images of the study area.

Magnetic resonance imaging is a more comprehensive study of organs and blood vessels that are possibly involved in the malignant process. X-ray of the chest can detect lung involvement and detect lung metastases.

A biopsy is performed as well to distinguish Wilms tumor from other tumors, for example, from renal cell sarcoma or clear cell sarcoma.

Stages and treatment

 

Like any other malignant disease, Wilms tumor has four stages of development. To identify the stage of the disease, various research methods are used before and during treatment. Ultimately, the forecast for the course of the disease and the choice of treatment tactics are largely influenced by the stage of cancer.

In terms of prevalence, the first stage of Wilms tumor is observed in 41% of patients, the second and third stage – in 30% of patients. The fourth, advanced stage, that is defined by the metastatic process, is diagnosed in 10% of patients.

Surgery and chemotherapy are used as first-line therapy, but the choice of treatment method will depend on the cancer stage. Wilms tumor isn’t considered to be the widespread pathology, so your doctor may recommend visiting a pediatric center that specializes in the treatment of this disorder.

Features of kidney cancer treatment in Germany

 

Kidney cancer treatment in Germany has the following peculiarities:

  • The tendency towards partial nephrectomy (partial removal of the kidney)
  • Widespread use of laparoscopic surgical techniques
  • Widespread use of minimally invasive treatment methods, using modern medical robotics (for example, the da Vinci robot) that reduce the volume of surgical intervention and facilitate the patient's rehabilitation after a surgery
  • The active use of alternative methods of treatment of Wilms tumor (intraoperative embolization of the renal artery, chemoembolization, etc.)
  • A wide range of individualized post-operative rehabilitation programs

Surgery

 

Surgical intervention is considered to be the beginning of the Wilms tumor treatment. Surgical interventions for Wilms tumor include:

  • Partial resection
  • Complete kidney removal
  • Complete or partial removal of both kidneys

In partial resection, doctors remove a part of the affected kidney and the surrounding tissue. This procedure is indicated if the child has one functioning kidney, or if the tumor isn’t too big.

In complete nephrectomy, the kidney is removed with simultaneous removal of the surrounding tissue. With time, the preserved kidney will take over all the filtering work.

Removal of both kidneys is carried out only when the two of them are affected. After both kidneys are removed, a patient will need kidney transplantation in the future. Specialists try to reserve this option, if it can be avoided.

Chemotherapy

 

Systemic anticancer medications are used in chemotherapy. Usually, the course of chemotherapy implies using a combination of several drugs that are given in the form of pills or intravenously.

Often, chemotherapy is prescribed prior to surgical intervention in order to reduce the size of the neoplasm, and after the surgery in order to target the residual cancer cells that weren’t destroyed by previous therapy methods. Chemotherapy is a suitable option in cases when it is not possible to remove the tumor.

When two kidneys are affected by the malignant process, preoperative chemotherapy is indicated. This increases the likelihood of sparing at least one kidney.

However, systemic chemotherapy is usually associated with side effects. Reactions to medications always depend on the drugs used in the course. Your doctor will inform you about side effects that can possibly manifest themselves during treatment or after, and will tell you about potential complications you need to be aware of.

Radiation therapy

 

Radiotherapy is prescribed in advanced kidney cancer prior to surgical intervention in order to reduce the malignant neoplasm, or following the resection in order to ensure complete destruction of cancer cells.

As a rule, the course of radiotherapy for young children is postponed as long as possible. However, there are methods of radiotherapy that can help prevent damage to nearby healthy tissues. German doctors determine the radiation doses at which the maximum benefit will be achieved with the minimum long-term impact on the overall health of the child.

Clinical trials

 

Participation in pediatric clinical trials is considered a treatment option as well. With such scientific studies, it is possible to get access to the latest developments in oncology treatment and receive higher chances of curing the pathology.

Ask the doctor about the possibility of participation in pediatric clinical trials, advantages and possible risks for your case. Statistically, many patients with kidney cancer take part in pediatric clinical trials. To participate, the informed consent from you and your child is required.

What happens when the treatment of Wilms tumor is over?

 

After the end of treatment, the child continues to undergo follow-up examinations to detect relapse, metastases, and development problems associated with the use of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Ultrasound scan and X-ray of the chest are carried out to detect possible tumor growth or the appearance of pulmonary metastases. After surgery, taking into account the type of intervention, various diagnostic studies are performed in order to assess the condition of the remaining tissues.

The frequency of observation is based on the initial stage of Wilms tumor and its histological structure, the carried out treatment and its complications, if there were any.

The child may experience long-term side effects after anticancer therapy is completed. For example, some anticancer drugs damage the heart and cause heart failure due to the weakness of the heart muscle. Patients who underwent treatment the second time due to the relapse of Wilms tumor may have additional complications.

It is necessary to see a doctor urgently if the child develops new symptoms, as they may indicate an early manifestation of tumor recurrence or long-term side effects of treatment.

Best hospitals for Wilms tumor treatment

 

Only with modern technologies, which are fully available in nephrology hospitals in Germany, it is possible to cure nephroblastoma successfully. Besides, the correct diagnostics of nephroblastoma and timely therapy start give the additional chance for effective rehabilitation.

The experience of German nephrologists in performing various therapeutic procedures is enormous. Hundreds of hospitals specialize in kidney cancer treatment in Germany. However, the best hospitals for Wilms tumor treatment in Germany are:

  1. University Hospital Saarland Homburg
  2. MediClin Robert Janker Clinic
  3. Medias Cancer Clinic Burghausen
  4. University Hospital Ulm
  5. St. Vincentius Karlsruhe-Academic Hospital of the University of Freiburg
  6. University Hospital Freiburg
  7. University Hospital Frankfurt am Main

The cost of treatment of Wilms tumor in Germany

 

Nobody can tell what the final cost of treatment in Germany will be. It depends on many factors, and it is impossible to foresee all of them. First of all, the method of therapy and medications used during the treatment will affect the price.

Often, during treatment, the patient needs to undergo an additional examination to assess the effectiveness of the therapy. Based on this, one should be prepared that the doctor can adjust the therapeutic scheme, trying to achieve the best result.

However, using the services of a medical tourism agency can reduce the price of treatment significantly. Treatment programs provided by Booking Health include stable costs and insurance in case of complications for international patients.

The cost of treatment of Wilms tumor with chemotherapy starts at 9,618 EUR. The cost of treatment of Wilms tumor with radiotherapy starts at 15,513 EUR. The cost of treatment of Wilms tumor with surgical resection starts at 16,546 EUR.

Contact Booking Health to find more information about the pricing of cancer treatment in Germany.

How to start the treatment with Booking Health?

 

It is not difficult to undergo oncology diagnostics and kidney cancer treatment in Germany. It is enough to fill out the request form on the Booking Health website and put the required information in it.

A medical advisor will contact you as soon as possible and provide the information about ways a company can help you. These are translation of documents, choosing a healthcare facility from the best hospitals in Germany, booking transfer from the airport, accommodation, and other organizational issues.

Authors: Dr. Vadim ZhiliukDr. Sergey Pashchenko