Urology Cancers: All about bladder, kidney, prostate, and Cancers

Kidney cancer can be overwhelming, especially when you’re searching for answers you can understand. This page lists all the questions about kidney cancer that have been answered on this site — clearly, and in simple everyday language. Whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or just curious, these articles are written to help you make sense of what is happening, one question at a time. New posts are added regularly. Each one is based on real questions people ask and explained without medical jargon. To read more, simply click on any of the titles below. Articles in This Series What is Kidney Cancer? How Common Is Kidney Cancer? What Causes Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer the Same as Renal Cell Carcinoma? Can You Live With One Kidney If the Other Has Cancer? Can Kidney Cancer Spread to Other Organs? What Is the Survival Rate for Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer Curable If Caught Early? Can Kidney Cancer Go Away on Its Own? Who Is at Risk of Developing Kidney Cancer? Does ...

Nivolumab (brand name Opdivo) is an immunotherapy drug used to treat advanced kidney cancer. It belongs to a class of medications known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. These drugs help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. In kidney cancer, nivolumab is often used when the disease is advanced (stage 4) or has returned after previous treatment. How Does Nivolumab Work? Normally, cancer cells can “hide” from the immune system by activating a protein called PD-1 on immune cells. Nivolumab blocks this interaction, allowing immune cells to detect and destroy cancer cells. This process doesn’t directly kill cancer like chemotherapy does—instead, it removes the brakes on the immune system, helping your body fight the cancer naturally. How Is It Given? Nivolumab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, typically: Every 2 to 4 weeks In a hospital or infusion clinic Over a period of 30 to 60 minutes It may be used: Alone, especially if other treatments haven’t ...

Cabozantinib (brand names Cabometyx for kidney cancer and Cometriq for other cancers) is a targeted therapy drug used to treat advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It works by blocking multiple pathways that help cancer cells grow and spread, especially those involved in tumor blood supply and cell signaling. Cabozantinib is commonly used: As a first-line treatment in combination with nivolumab As a second-line option if other treatments have failed How Does It Work? Cabozantinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It targets several key proteins such as VEGFR, MET, and AXL, which are involved in: Angiogenesis (growth of blood vessels that supply tumors) Tumor cell survival and movement Drug resistance in cancer cells By blocking these pathways, cabozantinib starves tumors of nutrients and slows their growth. How Is It Taken? Taken orally as a tablet, usually once daily Doses are typically 60 mg per day, but may be adjusted based on tolerance It should be taken on an em...

Belzutifan (brand name Welireg) is a new targeted therapy approved for certain patients with kidney cancer, especially those with genetic conditions like von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. It represents a new class of drugs called HIF-2α inhibitors, which work differently from older therapies by targeting a specific protein that fuels tumor growth in the kidneys and other organs. How Does Belzutifan Work? Belzutifan targets a protein called hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF-2α). In people with kidney cancer—especially those with VHL syndrome—this protein is often overactive, even when oxygen levels are normal. Overactivity of HIF-2α promotes: Tumor cell survival New blood vessel growth Abnormal cell proliferation By blocking HIF-2α, belzutifan disrupts the cancer’s energy supply, slowing or halting tumor growth. Who Can Benefit? Belzutifan is currently: Approved for patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated RCC Being studied in clinical trials for broader use in sporadic adv...

Sorafenib (brand name Nexavar) is a targeted therapy used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly in patients who have progressed after other treatments or are not eligible for newer therapies. It was one of the earliest effective oral treatments developed for kidney cancer. Sorafenib is part of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) family and works by blocking several important proteins that help tumors grow and develop their own blood supply. How Does It Work? Sorafenib targets multiple pathways involved in tumor growth and angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), including: VEGFR PDGFR RAF kinases By inhibiting these signals, sorafenib helps: Cut off the tumor’s blood supply Slow or stop cancer cell growth Delay disease progression How Is It Taken? Taken orally, usually twice daily (400 mg per dose) Should be taken on an empty stomach or with a low-fat meal Treatment continues as long as it is effective and tolerable Close monitoring with regular blood tests and imagi...

Sunitinib (brand name Sutent) is an oral targeted therapy used to treat advanced kidney cancer, especially renal cell carcinoma (RCC). It was one of the first effective drugs for kidney cancer after surgery and remains in use today, particularly in certain patients or healthcare systems where newer drugs may not be available. Sunitinib works by blocking multiple proteins that cancer cells need to grow and form new blood vessels. How Does It Work? Sunitinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). It targets proteins such as: VEGFR – involved in tumor blood supply PDGFR – promotes tumor growth c-KIT and FLT3 – related to cell signaling and survival By blocking these, sunitinib slows tumor growth and cuts off the blood supply that cancers rely on. How Is It Taken? Sunitinib is taken by mouth, usually 50 mg once daily The most common cycle is 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off Some patients may use a reduced daily dose continuously, depending on side effects Regular blood tests and scans are used to mo...

Pazopanib (brand name Votrient) is a targeted oral therapy used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a common form of kidney cancer. It is part of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) class of drugs, designed to block specific proteins that help tumors grow and spread. Pazopanib is typically used: As a first-line treatment for advanced kidney cancer in patients who may not be candidates for immunotherapy As a second-line option when other drugs are not suitable How Does It Work? Pazopanib works by blocking several proteins that tumors use to survive and grow, including: VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) PDGFR (platelet-derived growth factor receptor) c-KIT By targeting these receptors, pazopanib: Reduces blood flow to the tumor (anti-angiogenesis) Slows tumor growth Helps control spread of the disease How Is It Taken? Taken by mouth, once daily, usually at a dose of 800 mg Must be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal Swallow ...