Renal Cell Carcinoma
Comprehensive treatment for kidney cancer, including surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Solid Tumors
Overview
Comprehensive treatment for kidney cancer, including surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
When to Consult
After diagnosis of kidney cancer or detection of kidney mass.
What to Bring
CT/MRI scans, biopsy reports, and blood test results including kidney function tests.
Risk Factors
Causes
Treatment Options
Partial Nephrectomy
Surgical removal of the tumor while preserving healthy kidney tissue. Preferred for small tumors (<4cm) or when preserving kidney function is important. Can be performed via open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted techniques.
Radical Nephrectomy
Complete removal of the affected kidney, surrounding tissues, and nearby lymph nodes. Used for larger tumors or when partial nephrectomy is not feasible. Remaining healthy kidney can compensate for kidney function.
Targeted Therapy
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, pazopanib, axitinib, cabozantinib) and mTOR inhibitors (everolimus, temsirolimus) that block cancer cell growth signals. First-line treatment for advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
Immunotherapy
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab) that help the immune system attack cancer cells. Often combined with targeted therapy for improved outcomes in advanced disease.
Ablation Therapy
Radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation to destroy small kidney tumors without surgery. Minimally invasive option for patients who cannot undergo surgery due to other health conditions.
Active Surveillance
Monitoring small, slow-growing tumors with regular imaging instead of immediate treatment. Appropriate for elderly patients or those with significant comorbidities, with treatment initiated if tumor shows progression.