Treatment for any form of cancer is usually multi-pronged. The condition is entirely curable if discovered in time and one is required to discuss the various approaches available with their doctor before proceeding with the treatment.

In the case of cancer patients, a multidisciplinary team works together to create an overall treatment plan that combines various forms of treatment. In the case of kidney or renal cancer, this team is generally headed by a urologist, an expert in the field of kidneys. They may be aided by a doctor who specializes in the genitourinary tract (including the genitals, bladder, kidneys, testicles, and prostate) or a doctor who specializes in treating urinary tract cancers known as a urologic oncologist. In addition to this, a number of healthcare professionals are required, like oncology nurses, counselors, physician assistants, dietitians, among others.

1. How are the treatment options determined?
The care plan designed for the patient will include the treatment for the symptoms and side effects of kidney cancer. It depends on several factors, like the patient’s preferences, overall health, cell type, stage or cancer, and more. The primary kidney cancer treatment plans often include targeted therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, and even a combination of these. Occasionally, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are employed. In cases where the cancer has metastasized, the patient may receive treatment on varied lines of therapy.

Before any kidney cancer treatment can be implemented, there are a few preliminary steps the doctors must cover. One can expect the following when starting the treatment process.

2. How does kidney cancer treatment begin?
A preliminary stage of this treatment involves a process known as active surveillance. The doctor will monitor the patient’s tumor closely with clinical appointments and diagnostic tests. This is an effective treatment in older adults and people who have a small-sized kidney tumor or some other severe medical condition. Active surveillance may also be employed for patients who have renal cancer long as they are generally well, even if the cancer has metastasized. If the doctor notices that the disease is worsening, then he/she may start the patient on systemic therapies involving the use of certain medications, either via IV or orally.

Active surveillance varies from watchful waiting. The latter refers to having regular doctor’s appointments to review symptoms. In active surveillance, patients have regular diagnostic tests, like imaging scans or a biopsy.

3. What are the treatment options available?
If the doctor thinks it necessary to remove the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue, they may recommend surgery. As long as the cancer has not spread beyond the kidneys, only removal of the tumor, part or the entire kidney, and some nearby lymph nodes and tissue is required. The three main surgical procedures for kidney cancer treatment are partial nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, and laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Surgery is not always necessary in cases of kidney cancer, which is when non-surgical procedures like cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation are used. Alternatively, medication therapy is used to destroy cancer cells through the patient’s bloodstream. Such kidney cancer treatments involve the use of anti-angiogenesis therapy, mTOR inhibitors, alpha-interferon, immune checkpoint inhibitors, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.