Kidney Cancer: Spot Early, Treat Right

Symptoms to Watch For

• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Lower back or side pain
• A lump in the abdomen or side
• Persistent fever, fatigue, and weight loss
• Symptoms of anemia or high blood calcium

These may be signs of other conditions, but if persistent, a medical consultation is recommended.

Diagnosis

1. Physical exam and medical history
2. Urine and blood tests
3. Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
4. Biopsy (in select cases)
5. Staging: Determines how far the cancer has spread (Stage I–IV)

Treatment by Stage

Stage I–II:

• Active surveillance may be an option for small tumors
• Surgery:
  • Partial nephrectomy (removal of only part of the kidney) when the tumor is small and the kidney needs to be preserved.
  • Radical nephrectomy (surgery of the entire kidney) when the tumor is large or located in the middle of the kidney.
• Use of co-administrative medications after surgery: such as pembrolizumab to help reduce recurrence.
• Other options: Cryotherapy, RFA, or Radiation (SBRT) for those who cannot undergo surgery.

Stage III:

• Primary surgery: Radical nephrectomy with lymph node dissection is usually chosen.
• Pembrolizumab or Sunitinib may be used (postoperatively).
• Unable to undergo surgery: Consider Radiation, Ablation, or Treatment stage IV.

Stage IV:

• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab, sunitinib)
• Depends on the case:
  • If the primary tumor and the metastases are small — Cytoreductive nephrectomy and/or metastasectomy may be performed.
  • If the lump is large or surgery is not required — the main focus is medication.
• Palliative care to manage symptoms
• Clinical trials for innovative therapies like personalized vaccines