In some cases, such as when a person is not healthy enough to undergo surgery or has only one kidney, radiation therapy may be used, and in rare instances — for an uncommon and aggressive type of kidney cancer or when other treatments have failed — doctors may use chemotherapy, which has been shown to be largely ineffective against most types of kidney cancer, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). No matter which treatments you end up getting, it’s likely you’ll experience some side effects. All kidney cancer treatments can cause changes in your body that can impact the way you feel physically, emotionally, and mentally, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Cancer.Net. The degree to which these side effects impact your daily life can depend on which treatment you get; how often and how long you need the medication, and at what dose; and the way your body reacts to treatment. Just as kidney cancer can be different for person to person, so can treatment side effects, according to Cancer.Net.
Common Side Effects from Kidney Cancer Treatments
Here are some typical side effects you may experience from your kidney cancer treatment — and what you can do to address some of them.
Kidney surgery
Surgery to remove part or all of the kidney, known as a nephrectomy, is often performed to treat kidney cancer. According to the ACS, this procedure is associated with side effects and risks — including the ones typically associated with surgery — such as:
InfectionPainBleeding (which may necessitate a blood transfusion if too much blood is lost)Leakage of urine into the abdomenKidney failure (if the remaining kidney doesn’t function properly)
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to identify and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Targeted drugs can affect people differently, causing more severe side effects for some people, according to Ajjai Alva, MBBS, an oncologist and associate professor at Michigan Medicine at the University of Michigan. “Some of the patients experience a more profound effect than others,” says Dr. Alva. “We don’t understand all the reasons why, but I’m sure some genetic component is there.” These drugs work by blocking either the growth of blood vessels that feed cancers or proteins in cancer cells, called tyrosine kinases, that help them grow. Some targeted drugs can even do both. According to the ACS, some common side effects of these medications include:
FatigueSkin rashGastrointestinal problemsBlisters on the palms of the hands and soles of the feetDiarrheaLack of appetiteChange in tasteMouth soresWeight lossIncrease in blood sugarIncrease in cholesterol levelsHigh blood pressure
One of the most common side effects of targeted drugs is weight loss, from diarrhea, lack of appetite, and nausea as well as changes in taste, which can further contribute to a loss of enjoyment in food, explains Alva. “Some people may only taste salt and sweet and lose the ability to appreciate other, intermediate flavors,” he notes. “Patients literally waste away, even though they’re trying to eat, and it’s the good weight that’s going down, not just fat.” Alva suggests making an appointment with a dietitian as soon as possible in your kidney treatment. “Many doctors routinely do a nutrition service right at the outset of treatment,” says Alva. “When patients are informed early that they have to snack and graze throughout the day, then they are less likely to end up in a situation where they’re dehydrated or have lost 15 pounds in a month.” For some patients, he adds, seeing themselves so thin and frail can contribute to their lack of energy and may lead to depression. Some other strategies for side effects:
If you develop a skin rash, it may become red, blistery, and very painful. Alva suggests avoiding extreme heat or cold as well as anything that could cause friction on the skin. Moisturizing is also important.
If you have diarrhea, be sure to drink plenty of liquids to make up for fluid loss.
If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications to keep it in check.
If you have fatigue, get moving. “Fatigue is a major side effect [of targeted therapy], though we still do not have a clear understanding why,” says Roberto Pili, MD, chief of hematology/oncology and director of the Center for Nutritional Sciences and Cancer Therapeutics at the University at Buffalo department of medicine in New York and vice president of oncology services at Great Lakes Cancer Care in Buffalo. “But there’s no doubt in my mind that having regular exercise can help fight feeling tired.”
Immunotherapy
This type of treatment, which is sometimes referred to as biologic therapy, works by stimulating your immune system to attack the cancer. Medications in this group include immune checkpoint inhibitors, which increase the ability of immune cells called T cells to kill cancer cells. But immunotherapy can also create some problems, says Dr. Pili. “Because we are awakening the immune system, sometimes it can get confused and start attacking other areas of the body, such as the gut, pancreas, and lungs,” he explains. “Once we see this side effect, sometimes we hold the immunotherapy and give high doses of steroids to cool down the immune response.” Some side effects of kidney cancer immunotherapy include:
Skin rashExtreme fatigueFeverChillsWeaknessMuscle achesLoss of appetiteNauseaVomitingDiarrhea
There are also more serious symptoms that doctors will need to watch out for and treat as soon as they occur, including:
Fluid buildup in the lungsDifficulty breathingKidney damageIntestinal bleedingRapid heartbeat
Cryotherapy for kidney cancer
While surgery is the main treatment for kidney cancer that’s able to be removed, doctors may also consider cryotherapy, or cryoablation, as an alternative technique for people who are too sick or can’t have surgery for another reason. In cryotherapy, doctors insert a needle into the tumor and use extremely cold gases to freeze it, killing the cancer cells. Although doctors use ultrasound and other imaging tests to prevent damage to nearby organs and tissues during the procedure, such damage is a potential side effect. Bleeding also might occur as a result of cryotherapy.
Radiation
This kidney cancer treatment uses powerful rays or particles to kill cancer cells. Doctors may opt for this technique in cases where someone is not well enough to have surgery or has only one kidney, according to the ACS. Side effects include:
Fatigue This side effect is common and can be severe. If you are dealing with fatigue, you should still try to exercise regularly, with frequent rest breaks, even if it is only a short daily walk. This can build your stamina and energy levels back up. Take naps daily, if needed.Skin damage The skin exposed to the radiation beam can become irritated, dry and itchy or burned like a sunburn. Use moisturizers on your skin and avoid exposure to the sun.Diarrhea or vomiting Radiation therapy performed in the abdominal area can cause irritation of the surrounding stomach or intestines, leading to nausea or diarrhea. You can take medication to deal with these problems. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, and avoid spicy or fried foods.Infection Damage to your white blood cells can leave your immune system compromised. Take extra precautions to avoid exposure to germs or bacteria. Wash your hands often and try to avoid contact with ill people.
Chemotherapy
Kidney cancer is not normally responsive to chemotherapy, so it is rarely used to treat this form of cancer. In the small number of cases in which it may be used, though, side effects of chemotherapy usually include:
Nausea and vomitingHair lossIncreased risk of infectionBleeding or bruisingMouth soresFatigue
Whether you experience treatment side effects that stop as soon as the medication is finished or have persistent health problems that accompany ongoing treatment — for months or even years — the key to managing these issues is to maintain good communication with your doctor. “Given the numerous possible side effects that are associated with kidney cancer treatment, it’s important to inform your treatment team of any problems you may be experiencing as soon as you notice them, especially in the first few months, when the body is getting used to the new medication,” says Alva. “Check in regularly with your doctor and report any problems so that we can reduce the dose or find other ways to manage the side effects.”
