Victoria's ruptured Wilms' tumor had contaminated her entire abdominal cavity with tumor cells, having spread as far as the lungs by the time Dr. Steinherz first examined her.
Each year, Memorial Sloan-Kettering treats ten to 15 patients with Wilms' tumor -- more than most other centers in the US. Because the Center has a large supportive-care staff involved in all aspects of potential complications, the Wilms' tumor team is able to recover patients from more intensive treatments that cannot be done safely elsewhere. Thanks to this expertise, Victoria's treatment was tailor-made to fit her unique needs.
When asked what helped Victoria to make it through the difficult treatments, Dr. Steinherz credits her family. "They always had a very positive outlook, which helped them over the 'bumps,'" he says. And with treatment completed, he reports that Victoria's prognosis is "excellent."
"Victoria is a lovely, friendly child, who reminds me of my granddaughter. I was thrilled to be able to help her," Dr. Steinherz comments, adding, "We have a date to dance at her wedding."
