What Is Radiation Therapy for Kidney Cancer?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. While it is not the primary treatment for most kidney cancers, it still plays a role in certain situations—especially when the cancer has spread or when surgery isn’t an option.

Unlike other cancers where radiation is often used to shrink or cure tumors, kidney tumors are relatively resistant to radiation. Therefore, its role in kidney cancer is more supportive or palliative rather than curative.

Radiation Therapy may be used in the following scenarios: 

Pain Management

Radiation can help relieve pain caused by bone metastases, where kidney cancer has spread to the bones. It reduces tumor size and eases pressure on nerves or surrounding tissues.

Control of Bleeding or Symptoms

In rare cases where the primary tumor causes bleeding or is inoperable, radiation may help control symptoms and improve comfort.

Brain Metastases

If kidney cancer spreads to the brain, stereotactic radiosurgery (a focused form of radiation) may be used to treat small brain tumors.

Patients Not Fit for Surgery

For people who cannot undergo surgery or systemic treatments, radiation may be used for local tumor control.

How Is It Given?

• Most radiation is delivered as external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).
• The treatment is typically given in short sessions over several days.
• It is non-invasive and does not require hospitalization.

Side Effects

Common side effects include fatigue, skin changes, or mild nausea, depending on the treatment area. In cases involving the abdomen, nearby organs like the bowel may be affected.

Radiation is not used routinely for kidney cancer, but when used appropriately, it can significantly improve quality of life by relieving symptoms.

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