Treatment and Trial Options
Clinical trials are research studies that involve people. Any time you or a loved one need treatment for cancer, clinical trials are an option to think about. Learning all you can about clinical trials can help you talk with your doctor and decide what is right for you.
We want to provide you with up-to-date, credible information about clinical trials. Information on this page is from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Making your personalized care plan
Your doctors will help you make the plan that is best for you based on a good evaluation of your cancer, your general health and your preferences.
Understanding more about the treatment options, both the surgical and drug treatment options that may be discussed, will help you during your initial appointments.
For some patients the only treatment they need is surgery. For others, surgery is not suggested for the treatment plan. The test information will guide the discussion but this short video for kidney cancer is a must watch before your consultations with the urologist and urologic surgeon.
Active Surveillance: Is it safe to watch small renal masses?
“Active Surveillance” is sometimes mentioned as an option especially for a small mass. Two informative videos are provided for patients considering “Active Surveillance”.
Surgery:
Can you explain nephrectomy?
Dr. Eric Kauffman, MD, discusses the difference between partial and radical nephrectomy of kidney cancer.
What are histology and grade and stage of my kidney cancer? Why are they important?
The report on your biospy or nephrectomy contains important information on the type and stage of your cancer. Click to view this handout from IKCC which gives you the basics on how your testing may guide your care plan.
Understanding your pathology report: for clear cell, papillary and chromophobe subtypes
Clear Cell Renal Carcinoma
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.
Papillary renal cell carcinoma
Papillary renal cell carcinoma is the second most common type of kidney cancer in adults.
chromophobe renal cell carcinoma
Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma is the third most common type of kidney cancer in adults.
Connect with Our Communities
There are multiple support groups serving the kidney cancer community. SmartPatients.com is a patient forum and a KidneyCAN partner. We recommend this as a private, moderated place to talk with other patients. Your cancer center may also have their own support groups.
