Kidney Cancer Treatment Options

Active Surveillance

Careful monitoring is used for some kidney cancers, especially small tumors that are not causing symptoms. Instead of starting treatment right away, doctors track the tumor over time with regular imaging tests to see if it grows. This option may be recommended to avoid or delay treatment side effects when the cancer is slow-growing or when a patient has other health concerns. It’s important to discuss any symptoms that may appear while under active surveillance. New symptoms may indicate that it’s time to start treatment.

Kidney Cancer Surgery

Surgery is the most common and potentially curative treatment for kidney cancers that have not spread beyond the kidney. For many patients with early-stage disease, surgery may be all that’s needed. In selected cases, surgery may also remove metastatic tumors in other organs to relieve pain. A urologic surgeon will perform the procedure and work with your oncologist about whether additional treatments are needed.

Chemotherapy for Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer does not usually respond well to chemotherapy. Most patients will receive targeted therapy and immunotherapy for this type of cancer because it’s proven to work better.

Targeted Therapy for Kidney Cancer

Targeted therapies use drugs that block specific molecular pathways that kidney cancer cells rely on to grow and survive. The most common targeted therapy drugs for kidney cancer stop proteins called tyrosine kinases, which help cancer cells grow and form new blood vessels that feed the tumor. These drugs are called tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or TKIs.

When It’s Used in a Kidney Cancer Treatment Plan

• When systemic therapies are needed for fast-growing or metastatic kidney cancer
• Often given in combination with immunotherapy drugs for first-line treatment
• It’s usually given after surgery is complete to target any cancer cells left behind

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also called biologic therapy, helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It has transformed the treatment landscape for advanced kidney cancer. The most common type of immunotherapy for kidney cancer is a category of drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors. They block the cancer cells’ ability to hide from the immune system, allowing immune cells to attack tumors.

When It’s Used in a Kidney Cancer Treatment Plan

• Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer
• Sometimes given after surgery (adjuvant) for high-risk disease
• Often combined with targeted therapies for improved outcomes

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a localized treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. Stereotactic body radiation therapy, a type of external beam radiation therapy, can precisely target tumors while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. While it is not typically a first-line curative option for most primary kidney tumors, it plays an important role in select cases.

When It’s Used in a Kidney Cancer Treatment Plan

• To help control or relieve symptoms (such as pain or bleeding) from kidney cancer that has spread to bones or other organs
• When surgery is not possible due to medical reasons

Combining Therapies for Better Outcomes

For many people with advanced kidney cancer, the best results come from multimodal treatment combining surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These combinations can help shrink tumors, slow cancer progression, and extend survival. Your care team will tailor a plan based on your unique situation.

Clinical Research Trials

Clinical research is how new therapies for kidney cancer and other cancers are studied for FDA approval. RMCC participates in clinical trials through the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. If a trial is running that matches your type and stage of cancer, as well as other requirements set by the trial, our team will discuss participation with you. This is a great way to access emerging drug therapies that are not yet available to all patients.

Your Care Team and Support at RMCC

At RMCC, your treatment plan is developed by our multidisciplinary team experienced in the full spectrum of kidney cancer therapies. We are committed to delivering compassionate care, cutting-edge treatments, and supportive services throughout your journey.