Low Risk Advanced Renal Cell Cancer

Renal cell cancer (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults. Advanced renal cell cancer, also known as metastatic renal cell cancer, refers to cancer that has spread beyond the kidney to other organs in the body. When RCC reaches this stage, it is difficult to treat and is generally considered to be high risk cancer. However, there are certain types of advanced RCC that are considered to be low risk and are more likely to respond to treatment.

Some patients with advanced RCC are treated with a form of targeted therapy known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by targeting and attacking cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed. There are two types of immunotherapy used to treat advanced RCC -- immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, and monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab. Immunotherapy treatments have been successful in treating some types of advanced RCC, but they are not effective for all types.

Low risk advanced RCC refers to those cases of advanced RCC that are considered to be more amenable to treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation. Some of the low risk factors for advanced RCC include:

Low grade tumors that do not appear to be aggressive
No evidence of cancerous cells in nearby organs
Low tumor burden with fewer tumors and less spread throughout the body
No significant sign of inflammation

Patients with low risk advanced RCC have a better prognosis and are more likely to respond to treatment, though their survival rates remain lower than for non-metastatic RCC. If the cancer has already spread, the treatments available will depend on the location of the tumors.

Surgery is often used to remove the renal cell tumors and surrounding tissue. This can be effective for some patients with low risk advanced RCC, depending on the extent of the cancer's spread and the health of the patient. Radiation therapy is another potential option for treating advanced RCC, but it is more often used in cases where the cancer has spread to distant organs.

Chemotherapy is an option for some patients with low risk advanced RCC, although it is not as effective as surgery or radiation. Chemotherapy drugs work by attacking cancer cells directly, and in some cases, they can be used to shrink tumors or slow the progression of the cancer.

In cases where the cancer is resistant to standard treatments, clinical trials may be an option. Clinical trials are research studies that test new medicines, procedures, and therapies for the treatment of cancer. Patients accepted into the trial have access to treatments that are not yet available to the general public.

While advanced renal cell cancer is difficult to treat, there is hope for those with low risk tumors. Treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may provide relief and help prolong life. In addition, clinical trials offer access to innovative treatments that could help patients with advanced renal cell cancer. It is important to speak with a doctor to identify the best treatment options for each individual situation.