Kidney Cancer Treatment: Stage Four

Stage 4 kidney cancer is treatable by removing the kidney and using chemotherapy or radiation to remove the remaining cancerous cells. Stage 4 kidney cancer has a 5 percent survival rate, but removing the kidney may help prolong a person's life.

Types

• Several therapies are used to cure Stage 4 kidney cancer. Antigenics states that common treatments include chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy.

Features

• Stage 4 kidney cancer treatment focuses on boosting the person's immune system for chemotherapy and preventing the cancer from spreading to all organs.

Effects

• Treatment weakens the person physically and emotionally. Extreme weight loss, hair loss, and a weakened immune system are common symptoms.

Expert Insight

• Many physicians focus on relieving the pain associated with kidney cancer instead of curing it. Kidney cancer's survival rate is very low.

Considerations

• According to Cancer.org, where the cancer has spread, the person's physical and mental health, and the location of tumors are considered when treatment options are suggested.