Which kidney cancer patients need radiotherapy?

Only certain types of kidney cancer respond to radiation therapy. Usually, kidney cancer cells are not sensitive to radiation and chemotherapy, so these are not the main treatments.

1. Metastatic tumors: Some kidney cancer patients may already have metastatic tumors when they are diagnosed. These metastatic tumors sometimes respond better to radiotherapy. Radiotherapy can effectively control the growth of these metastatic tumors, relieve the patient's pain, and prolong survival.

2. Sensitivity after biopsy: In some cases, doctors will use a biopsy to determine the type of tumor. If the biopsy results show that the tumor is sensitive to radiotherapy, then radiotherapy becomes a viable treatment option. Although this situation is uncommon, radiotherapy can play an important role in certain patients.

3. Local recurrence: For patients with renal cancer who have undergone surgery but have local recurrence, radiotherapy may be a way to control the recurrent tumor. Radiotherapy can reduce the growth rate of the recurrent tumor and delay the progression of the disease.

4. Patients who cannot undergo surgery: Some patients with kidney cancer cannot undergo surgery for various reasons, such as being older or having physical conditions that do not allow surgery. After evaluation, if the tumor is sensitive to radiotherapy, radiotherapy becomes an alternative to help control the disease.

5. Relieve symptoms: Radiotherapy can also be used to relieve symptoms of kidney cancer patients. For example, when the tumor compresses nerves or other tissues and causes pain, radiotherapy can relieve pain and improve the patient's quality of life.

6. Combined with other treatments: In some treatment plans, radiotherapy can be combined with other treatments. For example, combining radiotherapy with targeted therapy or immunotherapy may enhance the treatment effect and improve the patient's survival rate.

Although radiation therapy is limited in the treatment of kidney cancer, it is still an important treatment method in certain situations. Doctors will consider various factors based on the patient's specific situation and develop the most suitable treatment plan. Therefore, if you or a family member is diagnosed with kidney cancer, it is important to fully communicate with your doctor and understand all possible treatment options. Through scientific and reasonable treatment strategies, you can better manage the disease and improve your quality of life.