Overview
Kidney cancer — also called renal cancer — develops when abnormal cells in the kidney grow uncontrollably, forming tumours that can invade surrounding tissue and spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, and brain if not detected and treated early. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine — responsible for filtering waste from the blood, regulating blood pressure, and producing essential hormones.
Kidney cancer is one of the ten most common cancers globally and is increasingly prevalent in India — with rising incidence linked to obesity, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. The most common form is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for approximately 90% of all kidney cancer diagnoses.
A distinctive feature of kidney cancer is that it is often discovered incidentally — during imaging performed for an unrelated condition — before any symptoms appear. When detected at this stage, kidney cancer is highly treatable. Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer has historically been difficult to treat, but the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy has dramatically transformed outcomes — with meaningful long-term survival now achievable for many patients.
Types of Kidney Cancer
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (ccRCC)
Clear cell RCC is the most common subtype of kidney cancer — accounting for approximately 70% to 75% of all renal cell carcinoma diagnoses. It arises from the proximal tubule cells of the kidney and is characterized by VHL gene mutation in the majority of cases. It is the most studied subtype and the primary target of approved targeted therapy and immunotherapy combinations for advanced disease.
Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Papillary RCC is the second most common subtype — accounting for approximately 10% to 15% of RCC cases. It is further divided into Type 1 (associated with MET mutations) and Type 2 (more aggressive, associated with FH and SETD2 mutations). It has different molecular characteristics from clear cell RCC and may require different targeted therapy approaches.
Chromophobe Renal Cell Carcinoma
Chromophobe RCC arises from the intercalated cells of the collecting duct and accounts for approximately 5% of RCC cases. It generally has a more favourable prognosis than clear cell RCC and rarely metastasizes — though when it does, it can be aggressive and is treated with targeted therapy or immunotherapy.
Collecting Duct Carcinoma
Collecting duct carcinoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of RCC arising from the collecting duct epithelium. It behaves similarly to urothelial carcinoma and is treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy regimens.
Renal Medullary Carcinoma
Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare, highly aggressive kidney cancer almost exclusively associated with sickle cell trait. It primarily affects young patients of African descent and requires intensive chemotherapy — often with platinum-based or combination regimens.
Wilms Tumour (Nephroblastoma)
Wilms tumour is the most common kidney cancer in children — typically affecting children under the age of 5. It arises from immature kidney cells and is highly responsive to treatment — with excellent cure rates achieved through a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney
Transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma) of the renal pelvis arises from the transitional cells lining the renal pelvis and ureter — behaving similarly to bladder cancer. It is treated with surgery and cisplatin-based chemotherapy — with immunotherapy options for eligible patients.
Signs to Look for in Kidney Cancer
- Blood in the urine — visible (haematuria) or detected on urinalysis
- A lump or mass on the side or back — below the ribcage
- Persistent pain in the back or side — not caused by injury
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Fever without obvious cause — not associated with infection
- Anaemia — low red blood cell count
- High blood pressure — new onset or worsening
- Swelling of the ankles or legs
- In advanced cases — bone pain, shortness of breath from lung metastases, or neurological symptoms from brain metastases
Treatment Options
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy has transformed the treatment of advanced kidney cancer — particularly clear cell RCC. VEGF receptor inhibitors (sunitinib, pazopanib, cabozantinib, axitinib) and mTOR inhibitors (everolimus, temsirolimus) are used to block the molecular pathways driving kidney cancer growth. Cabozantinib and lenvatinib are used as second-line options. Biomarker testing is reviewed at Jus’ Onco to determine the most appropriate targeted therapy approach for each patient.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy has become the cornerstone of first-line treatment for advanced clear cell RCC. Combination regimens — including nivolumab plus ipilimumab, pembrolizumab plus axitinib, nivolumab plus cabozantinib, and pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib — have demonstrated superior outcomes compared to sunitinib alone. Nivolumab is also approved as a second-line treatment after VEGF-targeted therapy. At Jus’ Onco, PD-L1 status and IMDC risk classification are assessed to determine the most appropriate immunotherapy approach.
Chemotherapy
Conventional chemotherapy has limited efficacy in most renal cell carcinoma subtypes — with the exception of collecting duct carcinoma and renal medullary carcinoma, which are treated with cisplatin-based regimens similar to urothelial cancer. Chemotherapy is also the primary treatment for Wilms tumour in children. At Jus’ Onco, kidney cancer chemotherapy is delivered as a low cost day care service.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is primarily used for kidney cancer to treat brain metastases (stereotactic radiosurgery), bone metastases for pain relief, or as palliative treatment for symptomatic advanced disease. Jus’ Onco coordinates radiation therapy referrals through its specialist oncology network.
Surgical Oncology
Surgery is the primary treatment for localized kidney cancer — including radical nephrectomy (removal of the entire kidney) and partial nephrectomy (kidney-sparing surgery) for smaller tumours. Cytoreductive nephrectomy — removal of the primary kidney tumour in the setting of metastatic disease — may be considered in select patients alongside systemic therapy. Jus’ Onco coordinates surgical oncology referrals as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Supportive Care
Includes blood pressure management, anaemia treatment, pain management, nutritional support, bone health monitoring for patients with bone metastases, psycho-oncology counselling, and symptom control — maintaining quality of life and supporting treatment completion throughout the full kidney cancer treatment journey.
Kidney Cancer Care at Jus' Onco
At Jus’ Onco, we provide comprehensive kidney cancer care through advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment planning, and a multidisciplinary oncology team. From first consultation through recovery and long-term follow-up, our focus is on delivering the best chemotherapy in India alongside targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and integrated supportive care — all at a low cost that ensures no patient is forced to delay or abandon treatment.
Our kidney cancer care programme begins with a thorough review of your diagnostic reports, imaging (CT, MRI, PET, ultrasound), biopsy and pathology reports, renal function tests, and comprehensive biomarker testing — including VHL mutation status, PD-L1 expression, IMDC risk classification, and molecular subtype determination — ensuring your treatment plan is precisely matched to your kidney cancer subtype, stage, and molecular profile.
