Kidney Cancer - Treatments, Symptoms, Causes

Kidney Cancer - Treatments, Symptoms, Causes

What is Kidney Cancer? What are the causes and treatment options?

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that make up the kidneys. It is one of the ten most common cancers in men and women, accounting for approximately 3% of all cancer cases in the United States. This article will discuss the statistics, types, symptoms, causes-risk factors, and treatment options for kidney cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 76,080 new cases of kidney cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022, and approximately 13,780 people will die from the disease. The incidence rate of kidney cancer has been increasing over the past few decades, and this may be partly due to the increasing use of imaging tests that can detect kidney tumors.

Symptoms

In the early stages, kidney cancer often does not cause any symptoms. As cancer grows, some possible symptoms include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Back pain, especially in the area below the ribs on one side
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Anemia
  • Swelling in the legs or ankles
  • Fever

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, but certain factors can increase a person's risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:

  • Age - Kidney cancer is more common in people over 50.
  • Smoking - People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
  • Obesity - Being overweight or obese increases the risk of kidney cancer.
  • High blood pressure - People with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
  • Family history - People with a family history of kidney cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.
  • Genetic factors - Some inherited genetic conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, increase the risk of kidney cancer.

Treatment Options

The treatment plan for kidney cancer depends on the stage and characteristics of the tumor and the patient's overall health. Some common treatment options for kidney cancer include:

  1. Surgery - Surgery is the primary treatment for most cases of kidney cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue, as well as any nearby lymph nodes that may be affected.
  2. Targeted therapy - Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific proteins or genes that contribute to the growth of cancer cells. Some examples of targeted therapies used to treat kidney cancer include sunitinib and pazopanib.
  3. Immunotherapy - Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Some examples of immunotherapies used to treat kidney cancer include nivolumab and pembrolizumab.
  4. Radiation therapy - Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is not a common treatment for kidney cancer, but it may be used in certain situations.

Clinical Trials for Kidney Cancer: Clinical trials are research studies conducted to test new treatments or procedures for a disease. Clinical trials can be an important option for people with kidney cancer who have not succeeded with standard therapies.

Some examples of clinical trials that are currently underway for kidney cancer include:

  1. KEYNOTE-564 - this trial tests the efficacy of pembrolizumab in combination with surgery for treating high-risk kidney cancer.
  2. HCRN GU16- This trial compares two types of surgery to treat kidney cancer.
  3. A phase I/II trial of a new type of immunotherapy called NKTR-214 combined with nivolumab for treating advanced kidney cancer.

Prevention 

There are some steps that individuals can take to help reduce their risk of developing kidney cancer. These steps include:

  • Quit smoking - People who smoke are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer, so quitting smoking can help reduce this risk.
  • Maintain a healthy weight - Being overweight or obese increases the risk of kidney cancer, so maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce this risk.
  •  Control high blood pressure - People with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing kidney cancer, so taking steps to control blood pressure can help reduce this risk.
  • Stay hydrated - Drinking plenty of water can help keep the kidneys healthy and may help reduce the risk of kidney cancer.
  • Limit exposure to harmful chemicals - Certain chemicals, such as asbestos, cadmium, and benzene, can increase the risk of kidney cancer. Taking steps to limit exposure to these chemicals can help reduce this risk.

Conclusion

Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that make up the kidneys. There are several types of kidney cancer, but the most common type is renal cell carcinoma. Symptoms of kidney cancer may include blood in the urine, back pain, and fatigue. Certain factors can increase a person's risk of developing kidney cancer, including age, smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Treatment options for kidney cancer include surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Clinical trials may also be an option for people with kidney cancer. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and limiting exposure to harmful chemicals can help reduce the risk of developing kidney cancer.