Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can bring a whirlwind of emotions and questions. You might be wondering: What are my treatment options? What's the "best" approach for me? What can I do to actively participate in my care? 

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of kidney cancer that originates in the lining of the renal tubules, the small tubes in the kidney responsible for filtering waste from the blood to form urine. RCC accounts for about 90% of all kidney cancers and is more common in men than in women. It is often diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 70, but it can occur at any age. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about Renal Cell Carcinoma, types of kidney cancer treatment, how to choose the best treatment option, renal cancer symptoms, and much more!

What Is Renal Cell Carcinoma?

RCC develops when normal kidney cells undergo genetic changes, causing them to grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. RCC is very prevalent, and according to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for localised RCC is around 93%. The exact cause of this condition is often unknown, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing RCC. These risk factors include:

• Smoking: Smokers are at a higher risk of developing RCC than non-smokers.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of RCC.
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension is a risk factor for RCC.
• Family History: Having a family history of kidney cancer can increase the risk of developing RCC.
• Genetic Syndromes: Certain genetic syndromes, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease or hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, can increase the risk of RCC.

Renal cancer symptoms may include:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Persistent back pain, especially below the ribs
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever not caused by an infection

Types of Kidney Cancer Treatment

Here are the most commonly employed kidney cancer treatment methods:

1. Surgery:
   1. Nephrectomy: Nephrectomy is the surgical removal of the entire affected kidney. It is the most common treatment for RCC, especially for tumours larger than 4 centimetres.
   2. Partial Nephrectomy: Partial nephrectomy, also known as nephron-sparing surgery, involves removing only the tumour and a small margin of normal tissue around it, preserving the rest of the kidney. This approach is often used for smaller tumours or in patients with only one kidney.
2. Targeted Therapy:
   1. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs): TKIs are drugs that target specific proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. They are often used to treat advanced RCC or RCC that has spread to other parts of the body.
3. Immunotherapy:
   1. Checkpoint Inhibitors: Checkpoint inhibitors are a type of immunotherapy that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. They have shown promising results in treating advanced RCC by enhancing the body's immune response against cancer.
4. Radiation Therapy:
   1. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to kill cancer cells. It is sometimes used in combination with surgery or other treatments to treat RCC that has spread to other parts of the body.
5. Other Emerging Treatments:
   1. Cryoablation: Cryoablation uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. It is a minimally invasive treatment option for RCC that may be used in select cases.
   2. Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation uses high-energy radio waves to heat and destroy cancer cells. Like cryoablation, it is a minimally invasive treatment option for RCC.

Choosing the Best Treatment

The choice of treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the overall health of the patient, and their personal preferences. It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Here are some key considerations when choosing the best treatment for RCC:

1. Stage of Cancer: The stage of RCC, which is based on the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to other parts of the body, plays a crucial role in determining the most appropriate treatment. For early-stage RCC, surgery may be the primary treatment, while advanced-stage RCC may require a combination of surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
2. Overall Health: The overall health of the patient is an important factor in determining the best treatment approach. Patients with other medical conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, may need to consider how treatment for RCC could impact these conditions and vice versa.
3. Extent of Spread: If RCC has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, bones, or liver, a more aggressive treatment approach may be necessary. This may include a combination of surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.
4. Patient Preferences: Patients should also consider their own preferences when choosing a treatment plan. Some patients may prefer less invasive treatments, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, while others may opt for more aggressive treatments, such as surgery, to remove the cancer.
5. Second Opinions: It is often helpful to seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider before making a final decision about treatment. This can help ensure that all treatment options have been considered and can provide peace of mind to the patient and their family.
6. Clinical Trials: Patients with RCC may also consider participating in clinical trials, which can provide access to new treatments that are not yet available to the general public. Clinical trials can be a valuable option for patients who have not responded to standard treatments or who are looking for alternative treatment options.

Final Thoughts

Renal cell carcinoma is a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. With advances in treatment options, many patients with RCC can achieve favourable outcomes. Early detection, timely intervention, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment are key in getting rid of this disease. Regular follow-up care and healthy lifestyle choices can also help improve outcomes for patients with RCC.