Kidney Cancer and Gut Health: Navigating Nutrition, Fad Diets,
and Treatment Side Effects

A KidneyCAN Town Hall Event

Our expert panel discussed nutrition, fad diets, managing GI side effects of treatment, and strategies to avoid weight loss during cancer care.

Watch + find resources below  ↴

This event has already taken place, but you can watch the full video here.

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Resource Links from Topics Mentioned in the Program

Here are additional links to resources for patients and caregivers, some of which were mentioned in the program and chat. 

Fad Diets and Supplements: Understanding What Works

Managing Common Symptoms and Side Effects

Maintaining a Healthy Weight During Treatment

Knowing When to Involve Your Care Team

Many in our audience asked about Advocacy Days. This is an easy and free way for you to help accelerate cures for kidney cancer. Join us this fall to ask Congress for kidney cancer research funding! Contact Debra Beyhan, our Legislative Patient Advocate at debra.beyhan@kidneycan.org for more information.
KidneyCAN thanks all who participated in this special Town Hall event. Thank you as well to our patient and caregiver community for providing insights and resources in the chat and community social that followed the Town Hall.

Meet the Panelists

Dr. Rana McKay | Expert Panelist | Kidney Cancer Town Hall by KidneyCAN

RANA MCKAY

Medical Oncologist
Associate Professor of Medicine at UC San Diego Health

Dr. Rana R. McKay, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist and associate professor at UC San Diego Health, specializing in the treatment of urogenital cancers, including kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers. With a focus on delivering advanced, individualized care, Dr. McKay uses cutting-edge therapies and innovative treatment strategies to improve outcomes for her patients. Her clinical expertise includes a deep understanding of kidney cancer treatments, particularly in managing complex cases and navigating the challenges of cancer therapy. Dr. McKay is known for her compassionate care and dedication to supporting patients through all stages of treatment, symptom management, and survivorship.

Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. McKay is a leading clinical researcher in urogenital cancers, particularly kidney cancer. Her research focuses on developing new therapies, improving cancer treatment protocols, and exploring the latest advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies. She has authored numerous studies and publications, and her work contributes to enhancing the understanding of kidney cancer biology and treatment. Dr. McKay is committed to advancing the field of oncology and ensuring that her patients have access to the latest and most effective treatment options. Her passion for both patient care and research makes her an invaluable resource for patients seeking expert guidance in kidney cancer treatment.

Archana Ajmera, NP | Expert Panelist | Kidney Cancer Town Hall by KidneyCAN

ARCHANA AJMERA

Adult Nurse Practitioner at UC San Diego Health

Archana Ajmera, MSN, ANP-BC, AOCNP, is a highly experienced and board-certified adult nurse practitioner specializing in oncology at UC San Diego Health. With a focus on urologic cancers, including kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers, she plays a key role in providing comprehensive care for cancer patients. Ms. Ajmera works closely with physicians to conduct physical evaluations, diagnose cancer, and develop personalized treatment plans. Her expertise spans symptom management, supportive care, and end-of-life care, ensuring that patients receive holistic, compassionate care throughout their cancer journey.

In addition to her clinical work, Ms. Ajmera holds an advanced certification in oncology nursing (AOCNP) and is deeply committed to helping patients manage the side effects of cancer treatment and improve their quality of life. She regularly collaborates with her medical team to provide advanced supportive care, addressing the physical and emotional challenges faced by cancer patients. Ms. Ajmera’s dedication to her patients and her extensive expertise in both clinical and supportive oncology care make her an invaluable resource for those navigating complex cancer treatments, particularly in kidney cancer.

An informed patient is an empowered patient.

We at KidneyCAN know how challenging it can be to keep up with research developments and how they could impact your treatment options. We hope the ideas presented in our Town Hall help you as you work with your doctor to manage your care for kidney cancer.

If you’re looking to connect with more people who share your challenges and can offer support, check out our Smart Patients forum.

This event supported by:

BMS

For Patients

Advocacy

Research

Join Our Grassroots Army

We know that awareness of kidney cancer and its impact on many lives leads to a sense of urgency, a desire for solutions. Awareness leads to advocacy, and advocacy — joining to speak as one voice — leads to funding and research. That’s how we get to cures.

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