Renal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Timeline: From Diagnosis to Recovery

Treatment planning and multidisciplinary oncologist consultation

When RCC is diagnosed in a person, later the oncologists will stage the cancer growth. The patient will be recommended to a multidisciplinary care team. The medical care team includes a urologist, a radiologist, and possibly a nephrologist who will assist in developing a more personalized treatment plan.

Here are some of the treatment options used for this cancer, including:

• Tumor size and location
• Whether the cancer has spread to other organs
• Patient’s overall health conditions
• Genetic factors
• Rare subtypes (sarcomatoid carcinoma characteristics)

In most cases, patients were offered genetic counseling or enrolled in clinical trials, especially in advanced rare cases.

For advanced cancer treatment

An advanced or metastatic RCC (Stage IV) requires more complexity, and combinations of targeted therapies and immunotherapies are the standard care for many patients, that can be begun before or instead of any surgical procedure, depending on the patient's metastatic disease condition.

Here are some of the treatment options:

• Targeted therapy (Tyrosine kinase inhibitors): The timing for targeted therapy, mainly including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, can vary in some cases. Some targeted therapies are continued just before and after the surgery. In some cases, these treatments are stopped to reduce the risk of surgical complications like poor wound healing.
• Immunotherapy (Checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab or Pembrolizumab): These treatments are often given after waiting for at least four weeks after the surgery to start immunotherapy in advanced RCC cancer cases.

Systemic therapy may begin immediately or a few weeks post surgery.

Recovery and quality of life

Cancer recovery is a mix of both physical and emotional. The early-stage or advanced RCC cancer patients often need a lot of time to adjust to life after cancer. Because after the cancer treatments, especially if they undergo surgery or long-term treatment is involved in their treatment plan.

Here are some of the post-treatment care include:

• Nutrition and a balanced diet to improve kidney health
• Physical therapy or gentle exercise programs to improve the patient's mood 
• Therapy and counseling for mental health 
• Joining cancer survival support groups to enhance the mental-emotional healing
• Managing the long-term side effects of systemic therapy

Most RCC cancer patients can resume normal activities within a few months. While people will commonly experience fatigue and emotional distress, recovery is a long process and highly individual, which involves many factors such as a cancer’s stage, type of treatment, and a person’s overall health. Additionally, achieving mental and emotional balance varies for each patient.

Consult Today

From the diagnosis to recovery, renal cell carcinoma can be physically and emotionally draining and challenging for many patients. The journey starts from the initial diagnosis along with the patient's resilience, strength and often, an unexpected transformation. But with the support of early detection, personalised treatments, and consistent follow-up, many patients tend to not only survive these renal cell carcinoma, but they also transform from its treatment journey.

At Oncare, we offer premium-quality cancer treatments, including advanced cancer surgeries at affordable price ranges with an experienced cancer specialist consultation.

If you or any loved ones of yours are diagnosed with cancer, then visit Oncare Cancer Center and book an appointment with our experienced cancer specialist today. Get an estimated cost of your cancer treatments today!