As with any serious decision, making thoughtful choices regarding the treatment of kidney cancer is of the utmost importance. Information from sources such as websites, books, and magazines can be a helpful starting place. However, there is no substitute for discussing kidney cancer with an experienced surgeon who specifically specializes in the management of the disease. This website is intended to be a starting point for learning about kidney cancer. However, discussion with a kidney cancer specialist is critical to ensure that you get the best treatment possible.

Speaking with a physician dedicated to the treatment of kidney cancer has become increasingly important as very recent developments in doctor’s understanding of the biology and epidemiology of the kidney cancer as well as the recent introduction of a number of new minimally invasive treatment strategies has made making choices regarding the management of kidney cancer more challenging. However, rather than seeing the new treatment choices such as cryoablation and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy as a challenge, they can also be seen as an opportunity as they do offer people excellent minimally invasive solutions for kidney cancer when applied properly by skilled and experienced surgeons.

Currently, the majority of patients with kidney cancer prefer to take an active role in deciding on the best treatment strategy for their own disease. Learning as much as possible about kidney cancer and discussing it with a surgeon who has extensive experience in managing the disease, as well as all of the currently available treatment options, will not only help to decrease the anxiety, which is a normal part of the diagnosis of kidney cancer, but will also help to optimize the final outcome.

Certainly, the goal is always complete elimination of kidney cancer. However, with proper application of contemporary technologies, kidney cancer can often be cured using a minimally invasive technique. Dr. Jaime Landman is director of minimally invasive Urology at Columbia University and has dedicated his practice to the treatment of kidney cancer.

Dr. Landman coordinates a team of surgeons, nurses, technicians, and researchers to provide each patient with, right solution for their unique individual situation. Using a team approach, each patient gets customized treatment with one goal in mind – cure of kidney cancer with the least invasive approach possible.

All of the treatment strategies for kidney cancer that are currently available today are listed below. Along with each treatment option is a clear definition of the approach, a summary of parameters which define good candidates for each approach, a description of the procedure or technique, and what can be expected in follow-up. Choosing the right strategy can be a challenge. However, by working with a skilled team, the right choice can be made and the best outcome can be achieved.

Treatment options for kidney cancer:
Active surveillance (watchful waiting / observation)
Cryoablation / Radiofrequency ablation
Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Open partial nephrectomy
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy
Open radical nephrectomy
Laparoscopic cytoreductive nephrectomy
Open cytoreductive nephrectomy
Open nephrectomy with vena caval reconstruction

Copyright 2006 Kidney Cancer Institute