Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer involves the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the kidneys, a pair of organs that removes waste products from the bloodstream and excretes them as urine.
While some kidney tumors are benign (non-cancerous), others are malignant, meaning the cells are cancerous. About 90% of kidney cancers are renal cell carcinomas that originate in the tubules that transport waste materials from the blood to the urine.
Kidney cancer is one of the 10 most frequently diagnosed cancers in the United States, affecting about one in every 45 men and approximately 1 in 75 women. Risk factors for developing this disease include cigarette use, obesity and high blood pressure.
Kidney cancer may not cause any symptoms, but it’s important to know the early warning signs, which may include blood in the urine, low back pain and a lump in the lower back.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of cancer affecting the kidneys. There are several subtypes of RCC, as well as other kidney cancer types, including transitional cell carcinoma and Wilms tumors.
The care team may use a variety of tests during the kidney cancer diagnosis process, including a physical exam, blood tests, urine lab tests (urinalysis) or a biopsy. Additional tests may be used to identify the cancer stage.
Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer, although other therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, may be part of the patient’s treatment plan.
City of Hope is constantly developing new therapies to treat kidney cancer and help patients return to an active, healthy lifestyle. We conduct a wide variety of clinical trials, some of which are exclusively reserved for City of Hope patients.
When you come to City of Hope, you automatically gain access to an unparalleled array of support services to help you and your loved ones take each step during and after your kidney cancer treatment.
Our Kidney Cancer Expertise
City of Hope is a nationally recognized leader in researching and treating urologic cancers.
For nearly two decades, U.S. News & World Report has named City of Hope National Medical Center one of the top cancer hospitals in America and as "high-performing" in urology.
Our Kidney Cancer Program Highlights:
- Our team’s ability to treat complex kidney cancers, including patients with advanced cancers and patients with other medical conditions
- Our leadership in urologic surgeries, including minimally invasive and robotic operations that reduce discomfort and recovery time
- Our surgeons’ experience in kidney-sparing cancer surgeries, preserving urinary function
- Genomic and molecular profiling to identify the best possible kidney cancer treatments
- A comprehensive portfolio of drugs that can fight kidney cancer better with fewer side effects
- Ongoing research and clinical trials of promising new therapies, including immunity-based and stem cell therapies
- Follow-up and recovery program focused on restoring urinary function and improving quality of life
We bring together a broad array of expertise from multiple specialties and are unmatched in our rapid “bench-to-bedside” record of translating leading-edge research into real-world treatments. Our doctors also help develop and improve evidence-based kidney cancer treatment guidelines for patients throughout the country.
Comprehensive supportive care programs are available to you and your family through every step of your kidney cancer journey.
Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, urologic cancer treatment and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.
