Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer overview

Each year at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, our kidney cancer experts treat more than 200 patients with kidney cancer. Our doctors are experienced in treating people with all subtypes of kidney cancer, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), renal sarcoma and Wilms tumors.   

Often, we are able to diagnose kidney cancer before it spreads, and treatment can leave many patients cancer-free. 

Fred Hutch: A Leader in Kidney Cancer Research

Our doctors do research through Fred Hutch and UW Medicine, which are both national leaders in kidney cancer research. Fred Hutch doctors have led the development of many of the newer approaches for metastatic kidney cancer approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and continue to do clinical trials of new therapies that are not yet available everywhere.

Over the years, Fred Hutch has led many clinical studies of new drugs for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that have led to changes in the standard of care. In recent years, Fred Hutch research has developed new ways to make it less likely that cancer will return and to significantly slow down how fast the disease grows. 

Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Metastatic A metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread to other areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. Standard care A treatment or other intervention currently being used and considered to be of proven effectiveness based on past studies.
Confirming your kidney cancer diagnosis

Diagnosing kidney cancer involves a series of blood and urine tests as well as imaging tests — such as an ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI scans — to check the size of the tumor or spread of the cancer. A tumor biopsy or tumor surgery gives us details about the stage of your kidney cancer.

Biopsy The removal of a sample of tissue or fluid that is examined to see whether cancer is present. This may be done with a large needle or through surgical removal of tissue or fluids. Computed tomography A procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are used to create three-dimensional (3-D) views of tissues and organs. A procedure that uses a computer linked to an X-ray machine to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. The pictures are taken from different angles and are used to create three-dimensional (3-D) views of tissues and organs. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the tissues and organs show up more clearly. This scan may be used to help diagnose disease, plan treatment or find out how well treatment is working. Imaging In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as X-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves) and radio waves. Magnetic resonance imaging A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or X-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints and the inside of bones. Stage The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Ultrasound A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen. A procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to look at tissues and organs inside the body. The sound waves make echoes that form pictures of the tissues and organs on a computer screen (sonogram). Ultrasound may be used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used during pregnancy to check the fetus (unborn baby) and during medical procedures, such as biopsies. Also called ultrasonography.
After careful review of all the details about your disease, our experienced specialists may alter your diagnosis and offer a different treatment plan.
Confirming your kidney cancer diagnosis

Most people with kidney cancer first come to Fred Hutch after being diagnosed by another doctor, often their primary care doctor. We confirm this diagnosis and other details about your disease so we can provide the right treatment for you. 

Your First Appointment

Based on your exact needs, your first appointment will either be with the team in our Kidney Cancer Multispecialty Clinic (KCMC) or with a urologic oncologist or medical oncologist who specializes in kidney cancers.   
From the first time you come to see us, your kidney cancer team will begin getting to know you and your family. What are your questions? What are your concerns? 

At your first appointment, your care team will also explain your specific disease. They will tell you how it’s treated and which tests you need to help plan your individual care. Before you leave, your team will make sure you understand the next steps.

Medical oncologist A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist is often the main health care provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists. Oncologist A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment, such as treating cancer with radiation. A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation.

Care at Fred Hutch

Fred Hutch has specialists who are experts in the most effective therapies for kidney cancer, called the “standard of care,” which will give you the best chance at a full recovery. Most patients are diagnosed early with stage I (one) or stage II (two) kidney cancer. These patients usually have surgery to remove the tumor, and they have a high chance of success through treatment.

Some patients who are diagnosed with stage III (three) or stage IV (four) kidney cancer have surgery to remove the cancer, along with follow-up care like immunotherapies or targeted therapies that keep the cancer from coming back or slow down its growth.

More patients are living full lives with kidney cancer, and treatment for stage IV, or metastatic kidney cancer, is constantly improving. For example, research has shown that instead of having surgery, medications may be a better option for some patients. 
 

Immunotherapy A type of therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. A therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. Some immunotherapies only target certain cells of the immune system. Others affect the immune system in a general way. Types of immunotherapy include cytokines, vaccines, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and some monoclonal antibodies. Metastatic A metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread to other areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. Stage The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. Targeted therapy A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. Some targeted therapies block the action of certain enzymes, proteins or other molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Other types of targeted therapies help the immune system kill cancer cells, or they deliver toxic substances directly to cancer cells and kill them. Targeted therapy may have fewer side effects than other types of cancer treatment. Most targeted therapies are either small molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies.

Kidney Cancer Multispecialty Clinic 

At Fred Hutch’s Kidney Cancer Multispecialty Clinic (KCMC), patients with metastatic kidney cancer get multidisciplinary consultations and care to understand and access all the latest treatment options. 

Here, we guide you through complex treatment decisions and provide seamless, comprehensive care. Patients meet with specialists from all disciplines, all in the same day, at KCMC. Each treatment plan is created just for you and may include surgery, radiation, immunotherapies and/or targeted therapies.

Our doctors and researchers are always asking how we can increase the effectiveness of kidney cancer treatments and reduce the side effects. Our clinical trials (also called clinical studies) deliver innovative therapies that are not available everywhere, and many of our past trials have become today’s standard of care.

Along with your doctor and care team, a group of world-class professionals is here to support you. This team includes nurses, registered dietitians, physical therapists, social workers and psychologists. We integrate supportive care services in your treatment and recovery to promote your physical, mental and emotional well-being.

Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Immunotherapy A type of therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. A therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. Some immunotherapies only target certain cells of the immune system. Others affect the immune system in a general way. Types of immunotherapy include cytokines, vaccines, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and some monoclonal antibodies. Metastatic A metastatic cancer is a cancer that has spread to other areas of the body by way of the lymph system or bloodstream. Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores. Standard care A treatment or other intervention currently being used and considered to be of proven effectiveness based on past studies. Targeted therapy A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. Some targeted therapies block the action of certain enzymes, proteins or other molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Other types of targeted therapies help the immune system kill cancer cells, or they deliver toxic substances directly to cancer cells and kill them. Targeted therapy may have fewer side effects than other types of cancer treatment. Most targeted therapies are either small molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.

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Brent Hall lives his life at full speed. As a professional hydroplane driver, Brent races boats at over 150 mph, achieving a dream he had as a boy growing up on Mercer Island. He was a rookie driver later in life at 36, and has earned national rankings in several different classes of hydroplanes. Brent is focused on going fast on the water — but not too long ago, he had to slow things down in order to focus on cancer treatment.

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Treatment Plan and Process

People with different types of kidney cancer respond to treatments in different ways. You are unique, and your care team will offer treatment specifically for — and with — you. At Fred Hutch, doctors with knowledge and experience in your subtype of kidney cancer will design your treatment plan and provide your care. This expert treatment includes both common and rare tumors that can sometimes appear in the kidneys.

For one person with kidney cancer, surgery might be the first step. Someone else might start with radiation therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Sometimes, chemotherapy is recommended. As you go through treatment, your needs may change. Your care team at Fred Hutch is with you each step of the way. For example, we will help you cope with any side effects you have. We may suggest adding a new therapy that was just approved. Even after your kidney cancer treatment is complete, we will keep seeing you to protect your health over the long term

Chemotherapy Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It may be given alone or with other treatments. Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, injection, infusion or on the skin, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. It may be given alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or biologic therapy. Immunotherapy A type of therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. A therapy that uses substances to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer, infection and other diseases. Some immunotherapies only target certain cells of the immune system. Others affect the immune system in a general way. Types of immunotherapy include cytokines, vaccines, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) and some monoclonal antibodies. Radiation therapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores. Targeted therapy A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific types of cancer cells while causing less harm to normal cells. Some targeted therapies block the action of certain enzymes, proteins or other molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Other types of targeted therapies help the immune system kill cancer cells, or they deliver toxic substances directly to cancer cells and kill them. Targeted therapy may have fewer side effects than other types of cancer treatment. Most targeted therapies are either small molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.

For Caregivers

When someone close to you is diagnosed with kidney cancer, you might step into the role of caregiver. Being a caregiver can mean many things, from lending a hand with daily living tasks to helping with medical decisions. It can also mean dealing with your own emotions and stress. 

At Fred Hutch, caregivers are valuable members of a patient’s care team. We see every day that your support makes a difference. We know that what your friend or family member is going through affects you, too.

Part of our mission is to help you take care of yourself. Caring for yourself is good for your physical, mental and emotional health. It also helps you give your best to your loved one. Our social workers, Spiritual Health team and Patient and Family Resource Center staff are here to help support you.

Caregiver A person who gives care to people who need help, such as children, older people or patients who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. A person who gives care to people who need help taking care of themselves, such as children, older people or patients who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. Caregivers may be health professionals, family members, friends, social workers or members of the clergy. They may give care at home, in a hospital or in another health care setting.

Other Resources

Care team
Care team

At Fred Hutch, a team of dedicated people surrounds you and your family to give you the highest level of care and support. 

Kidney Cancer Care Team
Care team
Research
Research

Fred Hutch is a national leader in kidney cancer research. In the past 15 years, research into targeted therapies and immunotherapies has found new ways to control kidney cancer. 

Kidney Cancer Research
Research
Resources
Resources

There are many resources for learning about your disease, as well as organizations that provide support. Health educators at the Fred Hutch Patient and Family Resource Center have put together a list of trusted sources to help you get started.

Learn More
Resources
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