Treatment of Renal Cell Carcinoma
We recommend surgical removal of the whole kidney or part of it ( nephrectomy ). This process may include removal of the bladder, surrounding tissue or lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy is usually not effective in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and for that reason, not often used. In some cases, hormone treatments can reduce tumor growth.
Medications such as alpha interferon and interleukin, have been effective in reducing the growth of some renal cell carcinomas, including some that have spread. In December 2005, the Food and Drug Administration of the United States approved a new type of drug, called Nexavar for adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma. The drug works by restricting the blood supply to the tumor.
In some cases, you can resort to the chemotherapy , but you may not achieve a complete cure, unless you can completely remove the cancer with surgery.