Wilms’ Tumour – kidney cancer that affects children

Wilms’ Tumour – kidney cancer that affects children

A nephroblastoma is abnormal tissue that grows on the outer part of one or both kidneys. Children with this condition are at risk of developing a type of Wilms’ tumour that grows quickly. It is thought that nephroblastomas originate from specialised cells in the developing embryo known as metanephric blastema, which are involved in the development of the child’s kidney while they are still in the womb. These cells usually disappear at birth, but in many children with Wilms’ tumour, cells called nephrogenic rests can still be found on the kidneys.
Wilms’ tumours can be categorised depending on how the tumour cells appear under the microscope as having favourable or unfavourable histology. Tumour cells with unfavourable histology look very large and not like normal kidney cells under the microscope. These cells are anaplastic (large and abnormal) and the cancer is less likely to be cured if there is widespread anaplasia in the tumour. However, about 95% of Wilms’ tumours have favourable histology with no anaplasia and a high chance of a cure.
Matt Cardle, at the age of two, was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of kidney cancer. Matt  had a surgery and months of gruelling chemotherapy. Today, despite having only one kidney, he is in perfect health and is campaigning to improve awareness of and research into childhood kidney cancer as patron of the charity Kidney Cancer UK.
Kidney Cancer UK has now launched a campaign to support children diagnosed with kidney cancer. The charity asked a number of celebrities, TV and Radio presenters, local and national artists and designers to customize the outline of the Whale, drawn and donated by the Daily Mail cartoonist Pugh. The customised whales will then be auctioned with the help from Jeffrey Archer at Clarendon Fine Art, Dover Street London on the 6^th of June. All proceeds will help the charity make sure that all the children have access to the best possible care and professional support.
We have received enormous support from celebrities, artists and public figures including The Prime Minister David Cameron, The Mayor of London Boris Johnson, Sir Quentin Blake, Mel C, John Bishop and many others…Their whales are auctioned online  and we kept a few to be auctioned at Clarendon Fine Art in London. The entry is free but please RSVP as the spaces are limited.