Kidney cancer can be complex, but our specialists have the expertise to handle even the most challenging cases. Our urologic cancer team includes specialists from a variety of disciplines practicing in one convenient location, making it easy for you to access all of your providers during a single visit. Your care team meets regularly to discuss your case, review test results, offer recommendations for therapy, and develop an individualized treatment plan based on the type and stage of your cancer.
Your Care Team
Your care team may include:
- Urologists, who use their knowledge of the urinary tract to diagnose kidney cancer and develop effective treatment plans.
- Pathologists, who examine tissue samples for the presence of cancer cells.
- Medical oncologists, who treat kidney cancer using anti-cancer medications.
- Radiation oncologists, who plan and administer targeted radiation therapy.
- Interventional radiologists, who treat kidney cancer with intense cold or heat applied to the tumor through a needle.
Nonsurgical Kidney Cancer Treatments
A kidney cancer diagnosis does not necessarily mean you will need surgery to remove all or part of your kidney. Whenever appropriate, we may recommend one or more nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Active surveillance: For patients with early-stage kidney tumors, especially the elderly or those with other health issues, we may recommend close monitoring instead of immediate treatment. This approach, overseen by our kidney cancer specialists, is a safe option for those who are not candidates for surgery. We do not start treatment unless we see that the tumor is growing.
- Ablation: This minimally invasive interventional radiology treatment uses intense cold (cryoablation) to freeze your tumor or intense heat (radiofrequency ablation) to kill cancer cells.
Kidney Cancer Surgery
If you have early-stage cancer that is confined to the kidney and has not spread to other organs, you may only need surgery to remove part or all of the kidney. If surgery is recommended, your urologist will discuss the best approach with you.
In addition to their expertise in open surgery for complex tumors and advanced kidney cancers, our urologic surgeons are also highly skilled in robot-assisted kidney surgeries. This less-invasive technique is performed through small incisions and often results in a shorter hospital stay, reduced pain, and a faster recovery.
Surgical options for treating kidney cancer include:
- Partial nephrectomy: This is a form of kidney-sparing surgery. Whenever possible, we remove only the tumor or part of your kidney surrounding the tumor. After surgery, your remaining kidney tissue will still function normally.
- Radical nephrectomy: If your tumor is more advanced, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your entire kidney containing the cancer.
Medical Treatments for Kidney Cancer
If your kidney cancer is more advanced or has a high chance of coming back after surgery, your doctor may recommend anti-cancer medications, given individually or in combination. Our Infusion Center, located on the Englewood Hospital campus, offers a comfortable and convenient experience for patients returning often for therapy. We also offer medical treatments for kidney cancer at our Jersey City and Fair Lawn locations, including:
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that specifically target the molecules driving kidney cancer growth, minimizing damage to healthy cells. There have been many targeted drugs approved in recent years for kidney cancer. Your team will analyze the genetic makeup of your tumor to determine which medications are best for you.
- Immunotherapy: For advanced kidney cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, immunotherapy boosts the power of your immune system to find and destroy cancer cells. We may recommend using immunotherapy alone or in combination with surgery.
Clinical Trials
Our oncologists participate in clinical trials evaluating promising new treatment options for kidney cancer. A clinical trial may give you access to a cutting-edge therapy that is not yet available as a standard treatment. Your care team will let you know if you may be eligible for any clinical trials. The decision to participate is entirely yours.
Geriatric Oncology for Kidney Cancer
At Englewood Health, we offer specialized care for older adults diagnosed with kidney cancer. Our team focuses on the unique needs of elderly patients, tailoring treatment plans to address both the cancer and any age-related health concerns. With a comprehensive approach that balances effective cancer treatment and maintaining quality of life, we provide personalized care that takes into account the patient's overall well-being and treatment tolerability.
Survivorship Services
After completing multidisciplinary therapy, patients are guided through a comprehensive survivorship meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity to review the treatments received and establish a personalized plan for ongoing surveillance and follow-up care. Our team will assess your current health status, discuss strategies for monitoring your recovery, and help ensure you have the necessary support for long-term well-being following kidney cancer treatment.