The role of radiation therapy in the management of Wilms' tumor.

Since the early decades of this century, radiation therapy has played an important role in the management of Wilms' tumor. Although in prior years the high radiation doses and eccentric field arrangements used in treatment were responsible for significant late toxicity, examination of long-term survivors and the important information obtained from the National Wilms' Tumor Studies (NWTS) and Societe Internationale d'Oncologie Pediatrique studies have now allowed us to tailor radiation fields and doses to provide high levels of local tumor control with minimal late effects. At present, most patients with NWTS stage III and stage IV tumors are offered radiotherapy as an integral component of their cancer management. Attempts to further refine selection criteria defining those patient groups who will benefit from radiation therapy are ongoing.