Chemotherapy Treatment For Kidney Cancer

Chemotherapy Treatment For Kidney Cancer

Chemotherapy has not yet been shown to be helpful in treating cancer of the kidney, but you may be offered chemotherapy as part of a trial of new drugs, or in combination with biological therapy.

Chemotherapy is the use of special anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth and division of cancer cells. The drugs may be given as tablets or capsules or, more usually, by injection into a vein (intravenously).

Side effects of chemotherapyChemotherapy drugs can temporarily reduce the number of normal cells in your blood. When your blood count is low you are more likely to get an infection and may tire easily. During chemotherapy your blood will be tested regularly and, if necessary, you will be given a blood transfusion or antibiotics.

Other side effects may include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting and hair loss. Some chemotherapy drugs do not cause many side effects and your doctor or nurse will tell you what problems, if any, to expect from your treatment.

There are now very effective anti-sickness drugs (anti-emetics) to prevent or greatly reduce nausea and vomiting. Your doctor will prescribe these for you. If your hair falls out it will grow back over a period of 3–6 months, once the treatment has finished.

Some drugs also make your mouth sore and cause small ulcers. Regular mouthwashes are important and the nurse will show you how to do these properly. If you don’t feel like eating meals you can supplement your diet with nutritious drinks or soups. A wide range of these drinks is available and you can buy them at most chemist shops. Although these side effects may be hard to bear at the time, they disappear once your treatment is over.