Medicinal kidney tumour treatment

In approx. ten percent of patients, there are already lymph node and/or organ metastases at the time of diagnosis. In such cases, removing the tumour-bearing kidney alone will not remedy the situation. This operation is nevertheless attempted in patients with good general condition in order to try additional medicinal treatment measures with greater success.

In the development of renal cell carcinoma, growth factors such as VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) play a crucial role. They promote the growth of blood and lymphatic vessels that supply the tumour with oxygen and nutrients and thereby enable further tumour development. The growth factors also ensure the connection of the tumour to the bloodstream and therefore its spread to other organs.

Interrupting the action of growth factors through targeted treatments can stop the further development of tumours. Various substances are currently available. The choice primarily depends on the risk situation, which will be personally discussed with the patient. All treatments are generally continuous i.e. they will continue without interruption. If the tumour grows despite treatment, the substance will be changed.