Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidneys. It is one of the ten most common cancers in both men and women.

According to the American Cancer Society, the estimated number of new cases of kidney cancer in the United States in 2021 is 76,080, with 13,780 estimated deaths. Among all the types of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common one, accounting for about 90% of all kidney cancers.

Treatment Options for Metastatic Kidney Cancer

When kidney cancer spreads beyond the kidneys, it becomes metastatic kidney cancer.

The treatment options for metastatic kidney cancer depend on several factors, including the stage of cancer, the location of metastases, the patient’s overall health, and the potential side effects of treatment. Generally, the treatment options for metastatic kidney cancer include:.

1. Surgery

In some cases of metastatic kidney cancer, surgery may be recommended to remove the tumor and the affected kidney. This is called a nephrectomy. Surgery may also be used to remove metastases in other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.

2. Systemic Therapy

Systemic therapy is a type of cancer treatment that reaches and affects cancer cells throughout the body. It includes chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments are usually given intravenously or in pill form.

Systemic therapy is often the first-line treatment for metastatic kidney cancer.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells. It is most commonly used to treat localized tumors or painful bone metastases.

Advancements in Metastatic Kidney Cancer Treatment over the Past Decade

Over the past decade, there have been several advancements in the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer, including:.

1. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of systemic therapy that attacks specific proteins or molecules that help cancer cells grow and survive.

Since kidney cancer is often caused by mutations in certain genes, targeted therapy can be very effective in treating metastatic kidney cancer. In 2006, the first targeted therapy drug for metastatic kidney cancer, sunitinib, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Since then, several other targeted therapy drugs have been approved for use in metastatic kidney cancer, including pazopanib, axitinib, cabozantinib, and lenvatinib.

2. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. It can be used to treat metastatic kidney cancer that has not responded to other treatments. In 2015, the U.S.

FDA approved nivolumab, the first immunotherapy drug for metastatic kidney cancer. Since then, several other immunotherapy drugs, such as pembrolizumab and atezolizumab, have been approved for metastatic kidney cancer treatment.

3. Combination Therapy

Combination therapy refers to the use of two or more cancer treatments together to increase effectiveness. In recent years, there have been several clinical trials investigating the use of combination therapy in metastatic kidney cancer treatment.

For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2018 found that a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, improved progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with metastatic kidney cancer compared to sunitinib.

4. Personalized Medicine

Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, involves using genetic information and other factors specific to an individual to tailor cancer treatment.

In metastatic kidney cancer, personalized medicine can help determine which targeted therapy drug is most likely to be effective based on the patient’s genetic profile. In 2018, the U.S. FDA approved the first personalized medicine test for metastatic kidney cancer, which can detect gene mutations and determine which targeted therapy drug is most appropriate for the patient.

Conclusion

The past decade has seen significant advancements in the treatment of metastatic kidney cancer.

Targeted therapy, immunotherapy, combination therapy, and personalized medicine have all contributed to improved outcomes for patients with metastatic kidney cancer. As research continues and new treatments are developed, the outlook for those living with metastatic kidney cancer will continue to improve.