Advanced kidney cancer

Advanced kidney cancer means it has spread beyond the lymph nodes to other areas of the body such as the lungs or bones. Treatment aims to control the cancer and relieve symptoms.

Some treatments can control advanced kidney cancer for a time and reduce symptoms. What treatment you have depends on how many parts of the body the cancer has spread to and how quickly it has spread.

You might have a targeted cancer drug, an immunotherapy drug or both together to treat advanced kidney cancer. Your doctor looks at a number of factors to decide which treatment is best for you.

Radiotherapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It's most often used for advanced kidney cancer. The aim is to control the cancer and help relieve symptoms.

Coping with advanced kidney cancer can be extremely difficult. As well as family and friends, there are people at the hospital and in your community who can help support you.