Kidney cancer

There are two main sub-types of kidney cancer:

• Renal cell carcinomas begin in the parenchyma of the kidney.
• Urothelial carcinoma arises in the lining of the kidney and/or ureter.

Each sub-type has unique DNA changes and is treated with different surgical and biological therapies. Our research team has developed much of the basic science about the differences between sub-types.

Blood in the urine, pain in the flank or a mass felt on physical examination are typical indications a person may have cancer. However, far more common conditions, like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, kidney cysts, or other medical problems, can cause these symptoms as well. The majority of kidney cancers are now detected using ultrasound, CT or MRI scans performed for reasons that may or may not be related to kidney symptoms.

Surgery is the primary treatment, particularly for patients with localized disease. When possible, treatment with preservation of the functioning portion of the kidney is performed.

Multiple options for kidney-sparing surgery exist, including minimally invasive, as well as open, partial nephrectomy. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, percutaneous ablation is another possibility.

For larger tumors, removal of the entire kidney may be necessary. For advanced stage cancer, systemic drugs are used to treat cancer that has spread outside of the kidney or to prevent it from spreading.