Comprehensive Guide to Kidney Cancer Treatment Options

Kidney cancer, known medically as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), develops when malignant cells form in the lining of the kidney's tubules. Also called renal adenocarcinoma, it predominantly affects adults and tends to grow rapidly, often spreading to the lungs and nearby organs. Effective management includes various therapies tailored to the stage and spread of the disease.

Common treatment strategies include:

• Chemotherapy: Uses medications to destroy cancer cells, administered orally or through IV, allowing systemic targeting of metastasized tumors.
• Radiation therapy: Utilizes high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells, delivered either internally via seeds or wires or externally through machines.
• Surgical procedures: Depends on cancer extent — partial nephrectomy removes part of the kidney, while radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire organ along with nearby tissues and lymph nodes if metastasis is present. Sometimes, removal of both kidneys necessitates dialysis or transplant.

Another targeted approach, known as targeted therapy, focuses on cancer-specific genes or proteins, helping prevent tumor growth while sparing healthy tissue. Notable options include anti-angiogenesis drugs and mTOR inhibitors.