Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, also called renal cancer, develops when abnormal cells grow within the kidney tissue. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, though other rare forms can also occur.
Guided by Dr. Sant P. Chawla, a world-renowned oncologist trained at MD Anderson and a pioneer in clinical trials, our team provides access to the most advanced treatments available. At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we specialize in providing hope and innovative therapies to patients, even when other options have run out.
Call us at (310) 552-9999 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation today.
Symptoms to Look For
Common symptoms of kidney cancer include:
- Blood in the urine (may look pink, red, or cola-colored)
- Persistent pain in the side or lower back
- A lump or mass in the abdomen or side of the body
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Constant fatigue or feeling unusually weak
- A fever that comes and goes without an infection
These symptoms can resemble other kidney or urinary conditions, which makes an accurate diagnosis essential for determining whether cancer is present.
Diagnosis & Staging of Kidney Cancer
We utilize a range of advanced diagnostic tools to confirm the presence of a tumor and understand how advanced it may be.
- Imaging scans, such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, Chest X-ray, or bone scans, to locate the tumor and determine its size and spread
- Blood and urine tests to check kidney function and identify possible abnormalities
- Biopsy (in select cases) to analyze a small tissue sample and confirm the presence of cancer cells
Once diagnosed, the cancer is assigned a stage, from I to IV. This staging guides our oncologists in creating a precise and effective treatment strategy. Many patients turn to our team for a second opinion when faced with a difficult or uncertain diagnosis.
When new patients first contact us, we prioritize scheduling early appointments to ensure that we see you as soon as possible, sometimes within the same week.
Book your appointment today.
A Pioneer in Kidney Cancer Research
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, your care is guided by a team of oncology experts led by our Director, Dr. Chawla. With over 30 years of experience, he has been a driving force in cancer research and led dozens of clinical trials, advancing therapies that are now widely used around the world.
Our team of specialists includes leaders in medical oncology, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. They are also active contributors to clinical research and bring all their knowledge directly into patient care.
We offer:
- Second opinions for complex or advanced cancer cases
- New treatment options when others have said no
- Participation in leading-edge clinical trials
Our care also focuses on reducing side effects and supporting quality of life throughout treatment.
Clinical Trials & New Treatments for Kidney Cancer
Clinical trials are one of the most effective ways to bring new therapies to patients who need them most.
Our center is actively involved in many investigator-led and pharmaceutical-sponsored studies, ensuring our patients have a clear path to the most promising new treatments.
Our team provides support to make these new treatment opportunities as accessible as possible. We offer:
- Trial enrollment for HMO and Kaiser patients
- Support with insurance and trial applications to simplify the approval process
- Travel and lodging assistance, with many costs offset by trial sponsors
- Evidence-based off-label treatments, when approved drugs can be safely applied beyond their original indication
- Compassionate use pathways (INDs) for patients who do not qualify for a trial
Types of Kidney Cancer We Treat
We treat different types of kidney cancer, including the most common and the rarest types.
The most common type of kidney cancer, it begins in the lining of the kidney’s small tubes that filter blood.
This is a less common form that starts in the inner lining of the kidney, where urine collects.
This very rare type develops in the connective tissues of the kidney.
A rare but highly treatable form of kidney cancer that is most often seen in children.
Kidney Cancer Treatment Options
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. Our team collaborates with prominent pathologists, radiologists, and surgeons from top institutions, such as Cedars Sinai, USC, UCLA, Stanford, MD Anderson, and St. John’s.
Your treatment plan is designed based on the type and stage of your cancer, previous treatments (if any), your overall health, and other unique factors.
Treatment options may include:
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells, often used in cases where surgery is not an option or when the cancer has spread.
- Chemotherapy: Strong medications and drugs are used to shrink cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapies: Specific drugs are used to interfere with molecules that help cancer cells grow and spread.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment harnesses your body’s own immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Surgery: Surgical removal of the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy) or just the part with the tumor (partial nephrectomy).
- New Approaches: Novel drugs and investigational therapies are used when standard care is not enough.
Expert Care for Advanced & Rare Kidney Cancers
For patients facing advanced or rare forms of kidney cancer, expertise and access to innovation can make all the difference. Our team is known for taking on the most complex cases, including those where other centers have said no further options exist.
Our patients benefit from same-week appointments, second opinions, and access to clinical trials that may not be available elsewhere.
To schedule an appointment, please call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
The prognosis for kidney cancer varies widely depending on the type, stage, and the patient’s overall health. Early-stage cancers that are confined to the kidney have a high chance of being cured with surgery. For more advanced cases, options like immunotherapy and targeted drugs have significantly improved outcomes and quality of life.
While most kidney cancers are not hereditary, certain inherited genetic conditions can increase the risk, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma. If you have a family history of kidney cancer, our team can help you understand your risk factors.
Side effects depend on the type of treatment that is used for your kidney cancer. Our focus is on a whole-body approach that includes supportive care to reduce treatment-related toxicity. We actively work to minimize side effects and improve your quality of life during and after treatment.
Yes. We encourage patients to seek a second opinion to confirm a difficult kidney cancer diagnosis or to explore all available treatment options, including clinical trials. We prioritize seeing new patients quickly to provide timely evaluations and peace of mind.
