While metastatic kidney cancer is a very challenging disease, there is ALWAYS hope. 
In just the past few years physicians, scientist, and pharmaceutical companies a have
added a whole series of new treatment options, which are showing more promising results than medications of the past.

Biologic Response Modifiers- Interferon-alpha and Interleuken-2	Sorafenib (Nexavar, Bayer Healthcare -Year approved: 2005)	Sunitinib malate (Sutent, Pfizer pharamaceuticals- Year approved: 2006)
Temsirolimus Torisel™, Wyeth, Inc.- Year approved: 2007)	Everolimus (Afinitor ®, Novartis Pharmaceuticals- Year approved: 2009)	Bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech Inc.- Year approved:2009)

Metastatic kidney cancer is cancer that has spread from the kidney where it started to a different organ or tissue.  The spread of kidney cancer can occur in one of three ways: 

1. There can be direct growth from the kidney to adjacent tissues.
2. Kidney cancer cells can leave the kidney and enter the bloodstream through arteries or veins.
3. Kidney cancer can enter the lymphatic system (the network of vessels that contain most of our cells that fight infection and drain extra fluid and waste from organs in the body). 

Of these mechanisms, kidney cancer is most likely to spread through veins and by direct extension.

Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Kidney Cancer

Medications (Medical or Systemic Treatments) for Metastatic Kidney Cancer

Copyright 2006 Kidney Cancer Institute