Treatment for kidney cancer can vary depending on the stage of cancer. It may include:
- undergoing surgery to remove part of the kidney or the entire kidney, known as partial or radical nephrectomy
- taking medications that help stop cancer growth and spread, also called targeted or biological therapy
- using high intensity radiation to target and destroy cancer cells, called radiotherapy
- freezing cancer cells or using heat to destroy them, known as ablation therapy
- cutting off the blood supply to cancer, called embolization
It is more common for people in their 60s and 70s to receive a diagnosis of kidney cancer. It is less common for people younger than age 50 years. When a diagnosis is made early, kidney cancer can often be treated.
If you notice traces of blood in your urine or have back pain that does not go away, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible. While this may be an easily treatable infection, your doctor may decide to investigate further.
Different stages of kidney cancer
Doctors assign a stage to cancer using the TNM staging system, which represents the following:
- T: This indicates the size of the tumor. The higher the number after T, the larger the tumor. Doctors may state “TX” if they cannot measure the tumor.
- N: This shows whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Doctors use the designation “N1” if cancer has reached lymph nodes and “N0” if it hasn’t.
- M: Doctors use this to indicate if cancer has spread to other body areas, known as metastasis. The designation “M1” means cancer has spread, whereas “M0” means it is still localized.
Doctors classify cancer into four separate stages, based on the TNM staging system. The following table will review these stages:
| Stage | Size of the tumor (T) | Lymph node involvement (N) | Presence of metastasis (M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | T1: The tumor is smaller than or equal to 4 centimeters (cm). | N0 | M0 |
| 2 | T2: The tumor is larger than 7 cm. | N0 | M0 |
| 3 | T3: The tumor has reached the renal vein or nearby tissues. | N1 | M0 |
| 3 | T1 or T2 | N0 or N1 | M0 |
| 4 | T4: The tumor spreads beyond the kidney, adrenal glands, and the layer of fats that sits around your kidneys, known as Gerota’s fascia. | N0 or N1 | M0 |
| 4 | T1, T2, T3, or T4 | N0 or N1 | M1 |
Kidney cancer treatments by stage
Kidney cancer typically has a positive outlook when diagnosed in its early stages. The 5-year survival rate is about 93%, with an overall survival rate of 75%.
Kidney cancer treatment may vary depending on the stage. The following table shows the treatment available for each kidney cancer stage.
| Treatment | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Partial or radical nephrectomy | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Doctors may suggest a radical nephrectomy cancer that has not metastasized. |
| Radiotherapy | This may be a palliative option for relieving kidney cancer symptoms. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Ablation therapy | ✓ | ✓ | This is a palliative option. | This is a palliative option. |
| Targeted therapy | This is not applicable to stage 1 kidney cancer. | It may be used after radical nephrectomy in people at high risk. | ✓ | ✓ |
| Embolization | This is a palliative option. | This is a palliative option. | This is a palliative option. | This is not applicable to stage 4 kidney cancer. |
Stage 1 and stage 2 kidney cancer are often treated by removing part of the kidney or the whole kidney, depending on the location of the tumor. This is called a nephrectomy, and it is also used to treat stage 3 kidney cancer.
But if cancer has spread to nearby tissues, you may require targeted therapy. This may last for around a year to lower the risk of cancer returning.
For stage 4 kidney cancer, surgery is rarely an option. If cancer has spread to other body parts, doctors may recommend targeted therapy alongside immunotherapy. Doctors may also offer radiation therapy to target the areas of the body in which cancer has spread.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardComplementary therapies for kidney cancer
If you have kidney cancer, you may consider trying certain complementary therapies to help manage symptoms.
Complementary therapies for kidney cancer may include:
- Acupuncture: A 2022 study found that acupuncture can significantly reduce cancer pain and the use of analgesics. An acupuncturist will place thin needles into the skin in specific areas of your body that may relate to pain management. You may experience a tingling sensation or a slight ache when they insert the needles. The needles are typically left in place for 15–30 minutes.
- Hypnotherapy: This may help you achieve a state of high concentration to manage pain and discomfort. Research from 2022 shows promising results in hypnotherapy for cancer, but further research is essential.
- Massage: Pressure, vibration, and skin stimulation can help increase blood flow in your tissues. This may help relieve pain, stress, anxiety, and headaches.
- Cold and heat skin application: Cold packs to the skin may help numb pain, whereas heat may help relax muscles and relieve soreness.
- Menthol: Lotions and preparations that contain menthol may relieve pain by increasing blood circulation.
Before trying any new complementary therapy, you should inform your doctor. They can advise whether the therapies are compatible with your cancer treatment and will not interact with your treatment plan.
Summary
Doctors can often diagnose kidney cancer in its early stages, allowing for positive outcomes. When kidney cancer is in its early stages, doctors often recommend partial or complete removal of the affected kidney. In these cases, targeted therapy can also prevent the risk of cancer returning.
More advanced cancer stages may not be compatible with surgical treatment, and they may require a combination of radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to prevent the spread of cancer and destroy cancerous cells.
People with a kidney cancer diagnosis may also try complementary therapies, like acupuncture, to reduce the pain and manage stress levels. However, before trying new complementary therapies, you should check with a doctor or medical professional to avoid interactions with your medical treatment plan.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.