Abstract:

Background: Wilms tumour is an embryonal tumour of the kidney and mostly it affects children and is the second most common childhood malignancy affecting children under 5 years. Actinomycin D and vincristine have been observed to be the most effective drugs for management of Wilms tumour.

Methodology: Retrospective cross-sectional hospital-based study conducted at oncology department in Bugando medical centre, Tanzania. Study included 80 Wilms tumours patients’ files from January 2010 to December 2018 selected by consecutive sampling. Data was filled in excel and analysed using STATA version 13.

Results and Discussion: The age group affected mostly was 1-5 years. The most chemotherapy prescribed was combination of Actinomycin D and Vincristine (58.75%), vincristine (40%) and Actinomycin D (1.25%). Adverse reactions observed were anemia (41.25%), vomiting (7.5%), neutropenia and eye discharge. About 43.73% showed no documentation on the adverse drugs reactions.

Conclusion and Recommendations: Adverse drug reactions associated with the use of vincristine were anemia, vomiting and neutropenia. Combined therapy was associated with anemia, eye discharge and vomiting. Actinomycin D was associated with anemia. There must be a documentation of the adverse drug reactions by the health practitioners to make a better choice during a therapeutic plan.