Treatment Options for Kidney Cancer
The UCLA Kidney Cancer Program team of physicians, surgeons and clinical professionals are world renowned experts in the diagnosis, management and treatment of kidney cancer, from localized tumors (tumors confined to the kidney) to the most complicated metastatic, or advanced, kidney tumors (tumors that have spread to other organs or parts of the body).
A stong affiliation and collaborative approach with two of the world’s foremost cancer and research institutions, UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, gives the program the ability to offer patients unique access to world leaders in cancer research. (See Why Choose the UCLA Kidney Cancer Program?)
Based on a patient's medical history, a thorough physical examination and the results of diagnostic tests, a UCLA Kidney Cancer Program oncologist is available to discuss individualized treatment options and the expected results of the treatment.
There are numerous factors that are considered in assessing which treatment option is best suited for a patient, such as medical history, current health condition, clinical and diagnostic test results and patient preference. Other factors that are taken into account are the tumor size, location and stage of the disease. Based on the final assessment, your doctor will recommend an individualized treatment plan that may include surgery where part or all, of the kidney is removed; tumor ablation; embolization; or surveillance. Some patients will benefit from a combined approach that may include surgical removal in addition to targeted therapy, immunotherapy, research protocols or chemotherapy.