Radiation Treatment for Kidney Cancer

Treatment for Kidney Cancer

Radiation Treatment for Kidney Cancer: An Introduction

Radiation treatment for kidney cancer (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Like surgery, radiation treatment is local therapy, which means that it only affects cancer cells that are in the treated area.

This article uses the term "kidney cancer" to refer to renal cell carcinoma (also known as renal cell cancer), the most common of the kidney cancer types. To read about treatment for other types of kidney cancer, see these eMedTV articles:

A small number of patients may have radiation treatment before kidney cancer surgery to shrink the tumor. Other patients may have radiation treatment after surgery to kill cancer cells that are remaining in the area. Sometimes, patients who cannot have surgery have radiation treatment for kidney cancer to relieve kidney cancer pain and other problems caused by the cancer.

Side Effects of Radiation Treatment for Kidney Cancer

The side effects of radiation treatment for kidney cancer will depend on the amount of radiation given and the part of the body that is treated. Patients who receive radiation treatment for kidney cancer are likely to become very tired, especially in the later weeks of this kidney cancer treatment. Although resting is important, doctors usually advise patients to try to stay as active as they can. Radiation treatment for kidney cancer may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and urinary discomfort. Radiation therapy also may cause a decrease in the number of healthy white blood cells, which help protect the body against infection. In addition, the skin in the treated area may sometimes become red, dry, and tender. Although the side effects of radiation therapy can be distressing, the doctor can usually treat or control them.