Loading icon
Health Information Center

Treatments for Kidney Cancer

Authors:
  • Debra Wood, RN
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Kidney Cancer

The goal of treatment is to remove most or all of the cancer. Doing so may preserve kidney function. This may also keep cancer from spreading or coming back. The most common treatment is surgery, but other methods may be used. The treatment plan is based on the type of kidney cancer, patient's age, general health, and outlook. Comfort measures are given to those with later stages of cancer.

The care team will be made up of doctors, surgeons, nurses, and pharmacists. It is important to stay in touch with your care team, follow the course of treatment, and go to appointments to get the best outcomes.

Kidney cancer treatment includes:

Surgery

Biologic and targeted therapy

Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy

Hormonal therapy

Lifestyle changes

Managing the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment

Treatments for many cancers are always changing. Some have yet to be found. As a result, clinical trials exist around the world. You may wish to ask your doctor if you should enlist in a clinical trial. You can find out about them at the US National Institutes of Health website.

References

  • Kidney cancer treatment. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidney-cancer/treating.html.
  • Kidney cancer: treatment. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kc-treatment.
  • Renal cell carcinoma. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114704/Renal-cell-carcinoma.
  • Treatment option overview. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/kidney/patient/kidney-treatment-pdq#section/_93.

Contributors

  • Mohei Abouzied, MD, FACP
Last Updated:
2022-06-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.