Treatments for renal cell carcinoma can cause side effects that range from mild to potentially life threatening. Possible treatments include chemotherapy, kidney surgery, and immunotherapy.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of cancer affecting the kidneys. It accounts for about
All treatments for RCC may cause side effects. This article discusses some of the potential side effects of the following RCC treatments:
- kidney surgery
- radiation therapy
- immunotherapy
- targeted therapy
- chemotherapy
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For RCC stages 1 to 3, experts
A partial nephrectomy removes the part of the kidney that contains the suspected cancerous tumor. A radical nephrectomy removes the entire kidney.
Surgeons typically use keyhole surgery, or laparoscopy, to perform a nephrectomy.
Laparoscopic surgery and open surgery have similar complication rates, but recovery from laparoscopic surgery is often easier. Robot-assisted surgery may
Partial nephrectomy
According to a 2022 review, 20% of people who have a partial nephrectomy experience complications. The most serious include excessive bleeding and urinary fistulas—abnormal openings between the urinary tract and another organ that cause urine leakage.
Radical nephrectomy
An open radical nephrectomy is a more invasive procedure than laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. In 5% to 10% of radical nephrectomies, a person will sustain damage to a nearby organ or pedicle, which is tissue that connects body parts.
Overall risks
Both types of nephrectomy carry some risks,
- infections
- bleeding
- blood clots
- allergic reaction to anesthesia
- incisional hernia
- urine leakage into the abdomen
- organ damage
- pneumothorax
- kidney failure
Radiation is a common treatment for several different cancers, including RCC. It uses high energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It
Some common side effects of radiation therapy include:
Healthcare professionals may use immunotherapy in
There are several types of immunotherapy. If a person experiences side effects, their doctor may recommend another immunotherapy type.
Side effects vary depending on the type of immunotherapy a person receives. However, side effects
- fatigue
- rash
- gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain
- itchy skin
- flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, chills, and fever
- heart-related issues, such as hypotension, rapid heart rate, or heart attack
- changes in mental state, such as confusion
A doctor
As with all kidney cancer treatments, targeted therapy may cause some side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects, and the severity of any side effects can vary.
Some potential side effects
- skin issues, such as rashes, dry skin, and photosensitivity
- changes in hair growth and texture, such as hair thinning
- high blood pressure
- autoimmune reactions, in which the immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake
- slow-healing wounds
- swelling
- gastrointestinal issues
- clotting or bleeding issues
- fatigue
- headaches
- damage to the heart and other organs
- increased risk of infection
- mouth sores
Chemotherapy uses medications to kill or destroy cancer cells. People may take these medications orally or receive them as an intravenous infusion.
It is not a standard treatment for RCC because the cancer cells
Chemotherapy side effects vary depending on the medication, dosage, and length of treatment, but they may include:
- mouth sores
- nausea
- hair loss
- vomiting
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- increased risk of infection
- easily bleeding or bruising
People with RCC should speak with a healthcare professional about their treatment options and any potential side effects they may experience.
If a person is concerned about any of the side effects they are experiencing, they should speak with their doctor, who may be able to recommend an alternative treatment or ways to manage the side effects.
RCC treatments can be safe and effective. However, they may also cause side effects that range from mild to potentially life threatening in severity.
Some people may not experience any side effects from RCC treatment. However, a person should speak with a doctor if they experience unpleasant or potentially serious side effects. In some cases, they may be able to switch treatments.