Kidney cancer
How CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy® can help
Kidney cancer—commonly called renal cancer—ranks among the top 10 most common cancers in adults. When faced with a diagnosis, it’s normal to feel confused or unsure of where to turn. Learn more about kidney cancer and how we can support you on the road ahead.
What is kidney cancer?¹
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. The kidneys’ primary role is to filter blood to remove excess water, salt and urine.
Normal kidney cells grow, multiply and are eventually replaced by new cells. Abnormal or cancerous kidney cells continue growing and multiplying, and can group together to form a tumor.
Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. It accounts for 90% of kidney cancers in patients over the age of 18.
Early detection of kidney cancer can lead to a better outcome. The risk of kidney cancer increases with age, smoking, obesity or a family history of kidney cancer. Some signs and symptoms include:²
- Blood in your urine
- A lump in your stomach or abdomen
- Pain on 1 side or back that doesn’t get better
- Loss of appetite and unplanned weight loss
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
Renal cell carcinoma is divided into 2 types: clear cell (the most common subtype) and non-clear cell. CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy offers medications to treat both types of kidney cancer, as directed by your prescriber. These medications target cancer cells in the kidneys and stop them from growing.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses your own immune system to fight cancer by boosting or changing how the immune system works to attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy uses medications to identify and attack certain cancer cells without affecting your healthy cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs that are given by IV or taken by mouth. Because kidney cancer cells do not always respond well to chemotherapy, it is usually a secondary treatment option to immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Medications
CenterWell Specialty Pharmacy offers the following medications for the treatment of kidney cancer:
- Everolimus (Afinitor®)
- Cabozantinib (Cabometyx®)
- Axitinib (Inlyta®)
- Lenvatinib (Lenvima®)
- Sorafenib (Nexavar®)
- Sunitinib (Sutent®)
- Pazopanib (Votrient®)
For more advanced types of kidney cancer, your doctor may prescribe other oral medications that target specific areas of the cancer.
Specialists who work remotely to support you wherever you are
Emotional support
Get 1-on-1 support from healthcare professionals who understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your concerns, answer your questions and help you manage any stress or anxiety.
Financial assistance
Don’t stress the bills. We work with financial assistance programs like grants, foundations and manufacturers to help you get the care you need. We’ll also assist you with the application process.
Clinical guidance
Receive personalized support regularly and instructions on how to take your meds. We’ll also work with your doctor to adjust your therapy if you’re experiencing side effects.
Sources
- “What Is Kidney Cancer?” American Cancer Society, last accessed September 28, 2023.
- “Kidney Cancer: Symptoms and Signs,” Cancer.net, last accessed September 28, 2023.
This information is not intended as a substitute for medical care or advice provided by your doctor or professional care provider. Only your doctor or professional care provider can diagnose and treat a medical condition.
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