by Wood D

Radiation therapy uses high energy waves to destroy cancer cells. In general, radiation therapy is not useful for treating kidney cancer. However, it may be used:

  • Before surgery—to shrink cancer tissue
  • After surgery—to try to make sure all cancer cells are cleared
  • For those too sick for surgery
  • To ease pain or other symptoms—caused by tumors in other areas

There are different types of radiation therapy. External beam radiation is used to treat kidney cancer. With this type, short bursts of x-rays are aimed at the cancer. The x-rays come from a machine outside the body. The goal is to give as much radiation to the tumor as possible. It is also to help prevent harm to healthy tissue—as much as possible. Side effects may be:

  • Dry, irritated skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tiredness due to anemia

    • Sometimes the doctor may adjust treatment. This can help ease side effects. The earlier side effects are addressed, the better.

    References

    General information about renal cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/kidney/patient/kidney-treatment-pdq. Accessed April 25, 2022.

    Kidney cancer (adult)—renal cell carcinoma. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/kidney-cancer.html. Accessed April 25, 2022.

    Renal cell carcinoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/renal-cell-carcinoma. Accessed April 25, 2022.

    Renal cell carcinoma. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/genitourinary-cancer/renal-cell-carcinoma. April 25, 2022.

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