Kidney Cancer Care

Comprehensive Kidney Cancer Treatment

Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma) is one of the most treatment-responsive malignancies, with remarkable advances in immunotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibition, and recent novel ways to fight kidney cancer with hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) inhibition over the past decade. Our specialists bring expertise in first-line combination therapies, oligometastatic disease management, and novel targeted approaches for advanced kidney cancer. We focus on optimizing both efficacy and quality of life.

Understanding Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer Basics

Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma or RCC) is often discovered incidentally on imaging performed for other reasons, as early-stage disease frequently produces no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include hematuria, flank pain, or a palpable mass. The clear cell subtype accounts for 75-80% of cases and is generally more responsive to systemic therapy than other histologies. Advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have revolutionized treatment, with combination approaches available for intermediate and high-risk localized disease and metastatic RCC. Our team specializes in risk stratification, treatment sequencing, and managing side effects to optimize both cancer outcomes and patient quality of life.

Kidney Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Many early-stage kidney cancers produce no symptoms and are discovered incidentally on imaging. When present, symptoms may include blood in the urine, persistent flank pain, or a palpable abdominal mass. Any of these warrants prompt medical evaluation.

Common Symptoms

Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Persistent flank or lower back pain
Palpable abdominal mass
Unintended weight loss
Fever without infection
Fatigue
High blood pressure

Important Facts

Kidney cancer is diagnosed roughly 1.5 times more often in men than women. Smoking, obesity, and chronic kidney disease increase risk. Most kidney cancers are discovered at an early stage, and many do not require immediate treatment. Our team uses risk stratification to guide whether observation (active surveillance), surgery, or systemic therapy is appropriate. Advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy have transformed treatment of advanced RCC.

Kidney Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment of kidney cancer depends on stage, grade, performance status, and patient preferences. Our team reviews all guideline-recommended options:

Active Surveillance
Partial Nephrectomy
Radical Nephrectomy
Ablation
Adjuvant Therapy
Immunotherapy + Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) Combination
Immunotherapy Combination
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
HIF Inhibition
Radiation Therapy
Clinical Trials

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions About Kidney Cancer

What is the prognosis for kidney cancer?

Prognosis depends on stage, grade, and histology. Localized kidney cancer (stages 1-2) has excellent prognosis with surgery alone, with 5-year survival rates exceeding 90%. Metastatic disease prognosis has improved dramatically with new immunotherapy combinations. Our team discusses individual prognosis and treatment goals in detail.

What is active surveillance for kidney cancer?

Active surveillance is careful imaging follow-up without immediate surgery, often used for small (under 3 cm), low-risk tumors. Studies show many of these tumors remain stable for years. Our team uses established protocols to determine which patients are candidates and how frequently imaging should be performed.

What are the side effects of kidney cancer immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy combination drugs can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) including diarrhea, pneumonitis, hepatitis, and thyroid dysfunction. Most are manageable with early recognition and treatment. Our team monitors closely with regular labs and clinical visits, and has expertise in managing irAEs to allow continued treatment benefit.

Can I keep both kidneys if I have kidney cancer?

Yes. Partial nephrectomy (nephron-sparing surgery) is the preferred approach for small tumors (under 4 cm) when technically feasible. This preserves kidney function and reduces long-term cardiovascular and renal disease risk. Our urology partners have expertise in complex partial nephrectomy cases, including minimally invasive approaches.

What is adjuvant therapy for kidney cancer?

Adjuvant therapy is systemic treatment given after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. Recent trials have shown benefit for high-risk patients (large or advanced stage tumors). Our team uses established risk calculators to identify which patients benefit most and which specific therapy is best suited to individual patient factors.

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