Compensatory renal growth and function in postnephrectomized patients with Wilms tumor.

The objective of this study was to determine whether or not renal growth and function were adversely affected in the remaining kidneys of patients who had undergone nephrectomy for Wilms tumor. These patients received chemotherapy and some radiotherapy (tumoricidal agents which might affect the remaining kidney). Renal growth was compared between the treatment groups and normal renal growth. Hypertrophy did occur and did not appear to be affected by subsequent treatment. Renal function was minimally altered in all treatment groups irrespective of the type of treatment.