Illustration of a superhero battling cancer, symbolizing the fight against childhood illness.

When Cancer Strikes Twice: Understanding Renal Cell Carcinoma After Neuroblastoma

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A rare case study sheds light on the link between childhood neuroblastoma treatment and the development of renal cell carcinoma later in life, urging increased awareness and monitoring."

The diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in individuals who have previously battled neuroblastoma is an infrequent occurrence, demanding closer attention and research. A recent case involving a 26-year-old woman with a history of neuroblastoma prompted an investigation into the potential connections between these two distinct cancers.

This case study aims to determine whether a genetic predisposition or the treatments received for neuroblastoma might contribute to the later development of RCC. While a definitive explanation remains elusive, both genetic factors and prior treatments likely play a role in increasing the risk.

Given the limited number of documented cases and the scarcity of research into the genetic underpinnings of this particular type of RCC, it is crucial to document individual cases to broaden our understanding of this rare phenomenon.

Unpacking the Case: From Neuroblastoma to RCC

Illustration of a superhero battling cancer, symbolizing the fight against childhood illness.

A 26-year-old woman, previously treated for neuroblastoma in childhood, presented with hematuria, leading to the discovery of two renal masses. Subsequent biopsies confirmed renal cell carcinoma (RCC), highlighting the need to investigate the potential link between these conditions.

The patient's medical history revealed a complex journey, including:

Neuroblastoma Diagnosis: Diagnosed at 18 months old, with tumors affecting the kidneys, tibia, and facial bones.
Chemotherapy: Treated with melphalan for 22 weeks.
Radiation Therapy: Received 2 Gy in 20 fractions following a laparotomy that revealed residual disease.
Other Neoplasms: Developed multiple solid masses in adulthood, including leiomyomas, intra-abdominal fibromatosis, and colonic/rectal polyps.
Liver Lesion: A stable lesion in the left lobe of the liver, suggestive of adenoma or focal nodular hyperplasia.

This complex medical history prompted a consultation with a medical geneticist to evaluate the possibility of a hereditary multiple neoplasia syndrome, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of cancer development in such cases.

The Takeaway: Why Awareness is Key

Renal cell carcinoma following neuroblastoma treatment represents a distinct and rare subtype of RCC. The underlying reasons for this increased susceptibility in neuroblastoma survivors remain unclear but likely involve a combination of genetic predisposition and the effects of previous chemotherapy and radiation.

Given the limited research and the small number of documented cases, continued reporting of individual cases is essential to improve our understanding of this phenomenon. Each new case contributes valuable data that can help researchers unravel the complex interplay of factors involved.

The development of multiple neoplastic lesions in this particular patient underscores the importance of long-term monitoring and awareness among clinicians caring for individuals with a history of childhood malignancies. Vigilance and early detection are critical for managing the increased risk of secondary cancers, particularly RCC, in adulthood.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5489/cuaj.2564, Alternate LINK

Title: Renal Cell Carcinoma After Neuroblastoma: A Case Study And Review Of The Literature

Subject: Urology

Journal: Canadian Urological Association Journal

Publisher: Canadian Urological Association Journal

Authors: Brendan Wallace, Michael Organ, Scott Bagnell, Ricardo Rendon, Jennifer Merrimen

Published: 2015-05-13

Everything You Need To Know

What is renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and why is it relevant in this context?

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of kidney cancer. In this context, it's specifically the development of RCC in individuals who previously had neuroblastoma, a cancer that primarily affects young children. This is significant because it represents a rare occurrence, indicating a possible connection between the treatments for neuroblastoma and the subsequent development of RCC. The implications are that survivors of neuroblastoma may have an increased risk of developing RCC, and thus, require careful monitoring and awareness.

What is neuroblastoma and why is it mentioned in the context of renal cell carcinoma?

Neuroblastoma is a cancer that typically occurs in young children. In the described scenario, it's the initial cancer that the patient was diagnosed with. The treatments for neuroblastoma, such as chemotherapy (melphalan) and radiation therapy, are suspected to potentially increase the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma later in life. Understanding the role of Neuroblastoma is critical to identifying the potential cause, which allows doctors to take steps to diagnose and treat patients to improve patient outcomes.

What treatments were used and why are they significant in relation to this case?

The treatments mentioned are chemotherapy (specifically melphalan) and radiation therapy. These treatments were used to combat neuroblastoma. The significance lies in their potential contribution to the later development of renal cell carcinoma. Exposure to chemotherapy and radiation can cause genetic damage and increase the risk of secondary cancers. This highlights the need for long-term monitoring of neuroblastoma survivors, as these treatments may have long-term effects.

What are the key details of the case study?

The case study involves a 26-year-old woman with a history of neuroblastoma who was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Her medical history included neuroblastoma diagnosed at 18 months, chemotherapy with melphalan, radiation therapy, and the development of other neoplasms, such as leiomyomas and polyps. The reason this case study is important is it highlights the need for a greater understanding of the connection between neuroblastoma treatment and the emergence of RCC. This can lead to better patient care, early detection, and targeted treatments for this rare occurrence.

Why was a medical geneticist consulted?

A medical geneticist was consulted to investigate the possibility of a hereditary multiple neoplasia syndrome. This highlights the complexity of cancer development and the potential role of genetic factors. Genetic predisposition may increase the risk of developing multiple cancers, including both neuroblastoma and RCC. This underscores the need for comprehensive genetic evaluations in such cases, which can help in risk assessment and early detection strategies. It demonstrates the importance of considering both environmental and genetic factors when understanding the link between neuroblastoma and subsequent RCC.