Advanced renal cell carcinoma:
Renal cell carcinoma is a kind of kidney cancer that develops in the small lining of cells inside the kidneys responsible for eliminating waste from the body. Advanced renal cell carcinoma develops from the initial renal cell carcinoma over a certain period. In short, renal cell carcinoma undergoes metastasis to many distant organs of the body to evolve as advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Symptoms:
You may experience blood in the urine [hematuria].
You may gradually develop lower back pain.
You may see a lump formation in the abdomen.
You may experience fatigue.
You may notice an unexplained weight loss.
Your skin may turn pale due to anemia.
Treatment of Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma:
A combination of therapies, such as surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and, in certain situations, radiation therapy, are routinely used to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Traditional chemotherapy is not frequently used as a first-line therapy since it is typically less successful against RCC than other treatments.
Antineoplastics are useful in managing the symptoms, shrinking the growth, and extending the survival rate.
Targeted therapies: Certain molecules and pathways help in the growth and progression of cancer cells. Drugs like Cabozat 40 mg tablets contain the active compound Cabozantinib, which is widely used, interferes with cell signaling pathways, and thus stops the growth and spread of tumor cells in kidneys. It is also used in the treatment of thyroid cancer and liver cancers. There are two types of targeted therapy approaches:
1. monoclonal antibodies 2. tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Immunotherapy: This treatment method makes use of the body's immune system to fight against the cancer cells effectively.
There are two kinds of immunotherapy:
1. immune checkpoint inhibitors and 2. cytokine therapy.
Surgery: This may involve partial or complete nephrectomy (removal of the kidney), as well as surgery to remove metastases in other organs, such as the lungs or bones.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is used to target and shrink tumors in patients with advanced RCC, in cases where surgery is not an option or as a palliative treatment to relieve symptoms such as pain or bleeding.
Clinical trials: Patients who are at the stage of advanced renal cell carcinoma are eligible for participating in various clinical trial programs. They offer newer treatment options and the use of other combinational therapies. They provide an array of hope and help improve the quality of life in patients.
Even after successful treatment, renal cancer can recur (come back) in the same kidney or other parts of the body. Routine follow-up and monitoring are important to detect recurrence early and initiate appropriate treatment.
Lifestyle modification and prevention strategies:
Include a lot of fruits and vegetables, aiming for various colors and types to ensure a wide range of nutrients.
Prefer whole grains over refined grains, for added fiber and nutrients, like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and oats.
To support muscle health and overall nutrition, switch into lean protein sources like poultry, fish, beans, legumes, tofu, and low-fat dairy products.
Limit your intake of red processed meats, as they may increase cancer risk and are often high in unhealthy fats.
Reduce your sodium intake by choosing low-sodium options and avoiding processed foods high in salt.
Always stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water all over the day, and limit sugary drinks and excessive caffeine.
Conclusion:
The specifics of the tumor, the patient's general health, and any potential adverse effects of the treatments all influence the choice of therapy. In addition, the field of RCC treatment is constantly changing, and new medications and treatments can become accessible as a result of current studies and clinical trials. It is important to make decisions after consultation.