What is the treatment for kidney cancer?

Answer 1

The treatment for kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, can vary depending on the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and other individual factors. Common treatment options include:

Surgery:

Nephrectomy: The primary treatment for localized kidney cancer involves removing part or all of the affected kidney. In a partial nephrectomy, only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue are removed, preserving as much healthy kidney as possible. In a radical nephrectomy, the entire kidney is removed.

Lymph Node Dissection: In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed to check for the spread of cancer.

Targeted Therapy:

Medications that target specific pathways involved in the growth of cancer cells may be used. Examples include sunitinib, pazopanib, axitinib, and cabozantinib. These drugs aim to block signals that promote the growth of cancer cells.

Immunotherapy:

Drugs like nivolumab and pembrolizumab, known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, may be used to boost the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Radiation Therapy:

While not commonly used for kidney cancer, radiation therapy may be considered in certain cases, such as when surgery is not an option or for palliative care to relieve symptoms.

Chemotherapy:

Traditional chemotherapy is not very effective against kidney cancer, but it may be used in certain situations where targeted therapies or immunotherapy are not suitable.

Clinical Trials:

Participation in clinical trials may be an option for some patients. These trials investigate new treatments or combinations of treatments to improve outcomes.

Cryoablation or Radiofrequency Ablation:

For patients with small tumors or those who are not good candidates for surgery, these procedures involve the use of extreme cold (cryoablation) or high-frequency energy (radiofrequency ablation) to destroy cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy:

Hormone therapy may be considered if the cancer has spread and standard treatments are not effective. It involves manipulating hormone levels to slow the growth of cancer cells.

It's important to note that treatment plans are highly individualized, and the choice of therapy depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions. The treatment team, which may include urologists, oncologists, and other specialists, works together to develop the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for each patient.

Answer 2

Surgery is the most common option for kidney cancer. Less invasive treatments are radiation therapy, biological therapy and chemotherapy.